Today the City of Cleveland announced that COVID-19 rental assistance program applications are now available.
City officials released the following:
CHN Housing Partners and EDEN, Inc. announced today the details of the COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program funded by the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. The program is designed to help residents of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County who are having difficulty making rental payments due to the economic impact of the pandemic and who meet income eligibility requirements. Those interested can apply at www.neorenthelp.org.
Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson’s administration allocated $11.3 million as part of the Mayor’s Restart CLE plan aimed at helping the City’s residents and businesses recover from the adverse effects of the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, County Executive Budish’s administration allocated $6.8 million. The funds are a mix of Community Development Block Grant dollars and dollars from the Coronavirus Relief Fund provided by the CARES Act.
“The rental assistance program is intended to alleviate the burden on Clevelanders needing assistance as a result of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Mayor Frank G. Jackson. “It is our intent that this assistance helps ease renters’ worries by providing resources during these stressful and uncertain times.”
CHN is the entry point to access rental assistance as well as a broad array of housing, financial counseling and referral resources. Depending on the nature of the financial hardship, Cleveland residents may be referred to EDEN for longer-term assistance.
Eligible households are those earning 120 percent of Area Median Income or less, which is up to $90,000 in annual income for a family of four.
Eligible applicants will receive up to three months of rental assistance which will be paid directly to the landlord. Priority is given based on criteria such as eviction status, accurate information and complete documentation.
Residents should go online to http://www.neorenthelp.org in order to apply. They must have specific documentation in order to quality.
Required documents include:
· Verification of COVID-19 related hardship (loss of income, illness or increased expenses)
· Photo identification for all adults in the home
· Social Security cards for all household members
· Proof of income (tax returns, paystubs or fixed income benefit award letter)
· Lease agreement
· Proof of citizenship
· Copies of utility bills
CHN will also screen applicants for utility assistance programs that may help make their electric, gas and water/sewer bills more affordable. Those who qualify for rental assistance may be required to attend more in-depth financial counseling, provided by CHN, as a condition for rental assistance.
A hotline has been set up to answer questions. That number is 833-377-RENT (7368). No applications can be taken over the phone. Residents are encouraged to apply online at www.neorenthelp.org and can be completed with a mobile phone. A paper application can be printed out, completed and emailed to info@neorenthelp.org or left in the rental assistance drop box at CHN’s offices located on the first floor of 2999 Payne Ave.