Only 11% of the tens of billions of dollars in federal rental assistance has been distributed to the people who need in states and localities, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

County officials say demand for that assistance is high in Mahoning county and money the county has received is already being used.

Mahoning county Commissioners approved Thursday, an additional $1.5 million in federal aid dollars to go to MYCAP to help people in the county effected by Covid keep up with their rent and utility payments. MYCAP estimates thousands in the county still face eviction and utility shutoffs.

"I'm certain we've spent $8 million if not more since covid had started," said Marilyn Montes, C.O.O. at MYCAP.

Protestant Family Service of Youngstown along with Catholic Charities are assisting MYCAP in helping to process people's applications for rental or utility aid.
They say they've had to increase the number of volunteers there to take the volume of calls.

"A good 50% are beyond in need. It's devastating. We are a faith-based agency and my case worker, Judy, she's actually prayed with some of them on the phone. It's just so dire," said Cathy Pokrivnak at Protestant.

To qualify you need to live in Mahoning County and have suffered a financial hardship due to covid, like the loss of a job or reduced hours.

If you'd like to fill out an application for rental or water utility assistance you can pick up an application outside the MYCAP office door anytime at 1325 5th Avenue in Youngstown.

Or call one of these numbers:

MYCAP:  330-747-7921

Protestant Family Service:  330-746-4600