It provides assistance to renters affected economically by the coronavirus pandemic.
Frederick, Md (KM) A local program to help renters who are in danger of being evicted due to the economic slowdown has been unveiled. During her public information briefing on Tuesday, Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner said COVID Relief Rental Assistance will provide financial aid to residents who have suffered job losses and other economic hardships from the coronavirus pandemic.
Gardner noted that the Governor issued an executive order preventing evictions due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. “However, the order to prevent evictions is set to expire on July 25th, less than three weeks for today,” she said “Now when that happens, we know that a number of people will be at risk of losing their housing, and that comes really at no fault of their own. Statewide, some people have warned us of an eviction tsunami.”
Applications for the COVID Relief Rental Assistance will be accepted starting on Monday, July 13th at 8:00 AM; and until Friday, July 17th at 7:00 PM. Residents can apply by going on line to www.RCEHN.org/covid-emergency-rental-assistance.. Those without internet access can call 301-631-2670, extension 127.
Gardner said the county is setting aside more than $2-million for this program. Frederick Mayor Michael O’Connor says the City of Frederick is appropriating more than $800,000.
“For four months, our community has been grappling with this health crisis which has quickly morphed into an economic crisis,” he says.. “We know that our community feels the impact of COVID-19 daily due to loss of work, business closure and/or reduced hours, especially when it comes to costs that are critical to their health and safety, like shelter.”
The money for the program is coming from the CARES Act, a $2.2-trillion bill passed by Congress in March, and signed into law by the President.
The emergency aid can be applied to rent which has been due for up to three months, dating back to April, 2020. Eligibility is based on current income and family size.
The Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs will be administering the program. Executive Director Nick Brown says the money being provided for applicants will go directly to their landlords. “We also have a message for landlords in the county. It’s a simple message: we want to talk to you. If you are a landlord who has tenants who are behind, we ask that you contact us soon. We have reached out and spoken to some But I’m sure there are many others whom we’ve not spoken with,” he says.
An information sheet says if you are not eligible for the COVID Relief Rental Assistance and are facing eviction, you can contact the Religious Coalition for rental assistance at 301-631-2670.
By Kevin McManus