Help available for renters

Program aims to keep Idahoans in their homes

Idaho renters affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for financial assistance through Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program.

The program provides short-term rent and utility support for Idahoans experiencing financial hardship because of the pandemic.

“This program was a collaborative effort from various members who worked hard to assess the financial burdens citizens are facing because of COVID-19,” said Rep. Melissa Wintrow (D-Boise), who chaired the CFAC Housing Assistance Subcommittee that recommended the program. “The committee is hopeful this will offer much-needed relief to renters and landlords, which will help people get back on their feet as they return to work.”

The Housing Preservation Program is available only to renters. Applicants must owe past-due rent or utilities or be unable to pay upcoming rent or utilities because of COVID-19 circumstances. To be eligible, applicants can earn no more than 80% of the Area Median of Income, must be Idaho residents and must have at least one member of the household legally eligible to reside in the United States.

The Housing Preservation Program was initially funded in April with a $250,000 investment by Idaho Housing and Finance Association. Gov. Brad Little and the Coronavirus Financial Advisory Committee allocated $5 million from the state’s Coronavirus Relief Fund, with the option for two more installments based on the needs of Idaho renters.

Officials say the program will help keep Idahoans in their homes with their lights on and the water running “until they can get back on their feet after a global economic crisis.”

“As the state reopens, it will be critically important for Idahoans who are feeling the symptoms of coronavirus to stay at home and recover. But, they won’t have a place to go if they aren’t able to pay their rent,” said former Idaho Sen. Shawn Keough, who also served on the CFAC subcommittee.

Application review and processing can take from three to seven days. Payments, which can take from seven to 10 days to arrive, will be made directly to landlords or utility companies.

Renters can go to ww.idahohousing.com/covid-19 to find out if they qualify or apply for assistance.

Info: 1-855-452-0801