There is now a deadline for those seeking assistance with rent or city utilities. The State Assistance for Housing Relief or SAFHR has announced that applications will close on January 31.
The remaining funds will be distributed until they are exhausted. The program was designed to assist those who experienced a decrease in income or an increase in expenses as a result of the pandemic.
State Assistance For Housing Relief
In 2020, the program began covering rent and utility costs for eligible tenants and landlords. SAFHR reported that over 600 million dollars in federal stimulus funds have assisted over one hundred thousand applicants.
With approximately 3,500 to 4,000 applications per week, the program has announced that the grant money is running out.
The program announced that it would cease accepting new applications at the end of January. This resulted in an increase in applicants hoping to apply before the program’s deadline.
Due to the recent increase, the program has announced that all new applications will be placed on a waiting list. On social media, some applicants have reported receiving the same automated response.
Additionally, the email stated that previously submitted applications will not be affected, and those unsure of their waitlist status can check the application portal.
However, the team noted that communication through [email protected] and [email protected] will be restricted. Although the call center is open during business hours, the chat feature on the applications has been disabled.
Those in need also have access to additional alternatives. Tenants in need of assistance can reach a local non-profit organization by dialing 211.
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Other State Assistance Programs
Through a one-time payment, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) could assist with the payment of home energy bills. The Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP) is available to those who have suffered a financial setback.
The Department of Mental Health’s (DMH) one-time Rental Assistance Program (RAP) is for DMH clients who require one-time housing stability assistance. Housing Stability and Eviction Diversion (HSED) can provide evicted households with legal aid and case management.
Meanwhile, Randy Cole, the chief executive officer of the Columbia Housing Authority (CHA), stated that the end of the rental assistance program could allow the state to focus on a larger issue.
Cole became the CEO of CHA on May 3, 2021. Since then, he has provided public housing for close to 2,000 households. The SAFHR program is one of the additional resources to which they’ve connected families, but Cole isn’t too concerned about the program’s impending demise.
During his tenure as CEO, Cole has witnessed firsthand how the SAFHR program has helped families gain access to food, transportation, and “other life-enhancing activities.”
Despite this, Cole believes that rent vouchers and assistance are insufficient. The CHA is collaborating with local and state governments to fund a $23 million program.
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