A new program from the state housing authority is expected to help tens of thousands of Michigan families with emergency rental assistance in the wake of COVID-19.
State officials say they’re working quickly to get the funds to people who need them, particularly eviction cases with judgements. The federal moratorium on evictions expires on March 31.
Renters making eighty-percent of the area median income or less are eligible.
Landlord or tenants can start the application process.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority is launching the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance program with $282 million from the federal government. The program is expected to help 140,000 Michiganders pay rent and arrearages.
Kelly Rose is the chief housing solutions officer at MSHDA. She says they’ve been feeling the pressure to work quickly because the CDC’s eviction moratorium expires at the end of March.
"We will be working very closely and really prioritizing cases that have already been processed for eviction, especially cases that have already had judgements entered to try to get those cases paid before the eviction moratorium expires at the end of the month."
Rose says there is another $300 million in federal money that’s available but state lawmakers still have approve it.
Renters making eighty-percent of the area median income or less are eligible.