(KNSI) – There’s help available for Minnesotans behind on paying rent and facing eviction when the state’s moratorium ends.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides $229 million to Minnesota to help families avoid losing their homes.
Senator Tina Smith held a Zoom Call to encourage families to apply for the benefits.
“The COVID-19 crisis has hit working families really hard. If you don’t have a safe, affordable place to live, nothing else in your life works.”
She says when rent isn’t paid, it affects more than the renter.
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Office
“It also affects the families on the other side of the equation that owned that duplex or small apartment building or development that are struggling because they’re not getting paid.”
Nearly 100,000 Minnesota families are behind on rent, and the vast majority of evictions are from failing to keep up on rent.
Minnesota Housing Commissioner Jennifer Ho says it’s the largest housing program her department has ever managed.
“We have a lot of money. It’s not a lottery; it’s not a stimulus program; it’s a housing stability program. It’s not a first-come, first-served. It’s not going to be out of money in a month or two. We think we’re going to run this well throughout the year, maybe into next year, but it does take time, and there are some requirements that people need to follow so that we can do all the reporting that we need to do.”
U.S. Senator Tina Smith’s Office
Families can have rent paid up to three months in advance to help them get back on their feet.
The program helps with paying rent and paying other household expenses such as electric bills and heat.
The New American Development Center in St. Cloud helps new arriving families find housing and is assisting immigrants with registering for the program.
Executive Director Asad Aliweyd says the program has been a lifesaver for many families.
“A lot of people who have been behind would not be able to pay the rent or utilities without this program.”
His organization has helped thousands apply for assistance.
Registration for the Rental Assistance Program started in April, and payments are starting to go out.
Minnesota’s eviction moratorium is still in place, but lawmakers are working on a plan to end the moratorium.
To apply for the Renters Assistance Program, dial 211 or go to renthelpmn.org.
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program was part of the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law on March 11.
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