More money has been added to the state’s Rent and Mortgage Relief Program, because of high demand for financial assistance.
Try $12 million.
Gov. Ralph Northam said he is directing that amount to be added to the program from the federal CARES Act.
The program assists households and landlords with rent and mortgage payments to avoid eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19.
The additional funding will enable the Department of Housing and Community Development to continue the program until it is able to transition to a Community Development Block Grant funding stream, also provided through the CARES Act, according to the governor’s office.
“We created this program because people need help to stay in their homes, especially when they are dealing with job and income losses because of this public health crisis and through no fault of their own,” Northam said. “We have seen high demand for the financial assistance provided through this program, which proves how much it needs to continue. A global pandemic is the worst time for Virginia families to face losing their homes, and we know that safe and stable housing is critical to helping people stay healthy as we continue to combat this virus.”
The RMRP was first launched in June with $50 million in federal CARES Act dollars to help renters and homeowners whose income has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic stay in their homes. Last month, the program also began allowing landlords to apply for payments on behalf of tenants. Families with children in the home represent the majority of households assisted by the program.
The tenant-based application process is delivered in every locality in the state by more than 30 grantees, and the landlord-initiated application process is administered statewide by Virginia Housing, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
The original $50 million has been fully obligated to the tenant and landlord administrators who are processing the increasing number of applications being received from both tenants and landlords.
Current state and federal eviction protections through the courts do not prevent rent and mortgage payments from accumulating.
Northam said the state is focused on helping eligible households and property owners access resources to maintain housing stability during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future.
To submit a landlord-initiated application, click here.
Tenants interested in applying should go here to conduct a self-assessment for eligibility or call 211 VIRGINIA by dialing 211 from your phone.
Additional information and resources are available here.
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