The Protestant Family Services has been approved as a co-recipient of money for the Mahoning County CARES Act through the Mahoning County Commissioners and Catholic Charities.

The organization will use this money to help Mahoning County residents pay for rent if they had COVID-related financial struggles throughout the pandemic.

This program helps renters with current rent issues and back rent issues and assists renters in taking care of rent that is months overdue.

This program cannot be used for rent due before March 13, 2020, the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilities covered include gas, water, electric, sewer, trash, fuel oil, and internet.  Cable and cell phone bill expenses are not included. 

Subsidized housing where rent is adjusted according to income does not qualify for rent assistance but may still be eligible for utility assistance. If a household pays a portion of rent or utilities, only the tenant paid portion is the only portion covered.

Applicants must provide documentation that they are qualified for unemployment, experienced a reduction of income, or incurred significant costs of other financial hardships due directly to the pandemic that affected their ability to pay rent to qualify.

Generally, renters on social security or disability will not qualify except for special circumstances such as another family member moving in during the pandemic. 

Documentation needed includes an eviction notice if applicable, copy of wages two months before application, or a letter from employers notifying decreased wages due to COVID, landlord verification, property search, copy of utility bill, and any other documentation related to qualifying expenses. 

Anyone who believes they qualify for assistance can call the Protestant Family Services from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday for assistance at 330-746-4600