Mahoning County Commissioners distribute emergency rental funds

Mahoning County Commissioners have distributed emergency rental funds to various non-profit organizations.
The funds are being distributed to aid in the distribution of rent money to landlords and tenants through a qualifying process.
To qualify for these emergency funds, renters must be qualified for unemployment or have incurred significant costs, a reduction of household income or experienced financial hardships directly due to COVID-19, demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability and must have a household income at or below 80% of the area median.
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months worth of assistance plus an additional three months if the grantee determines determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and funds are available.
The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in the eviction of an eligible household is prioritized. Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household's rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future payments.
Households may apply for assistance with rent, utilities or both. Applicants may request assistance with past due rent and utilities or future rent and utilities.
Once a household's rental arrears are reduced, grantees may only commit to providing future assistance for up to three months at a time. Households may reapply for the three-month assistance again if needed. Eligible households may receive a maximum of $10,000 of assistance.
Applications will mostly be handled by phone, but the need to come in for signatures may occur. Electronic signatures are also accepted if clients have access to an email account. If the client does not have access to an email account and cannot obtain one, they are encouraged to call a provider to complete an application.
For more information or to apply for rental assistance, contact the Catholic Charities Regional Agency, Mahoning Youngstown Community Action Partnership or the YWCA (special population unstably housed pregnant and new moms)