The city of Fresno is accepting applications for its new Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
The program offers nearly $35 million in federal funds and state block grants to help renters and landlords. After administrative costs, more than $31 million of that funding will be directly available for rental assistance. On Monday, Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer said the need is huge.
“I would imagine today we are going to be absolutely inundated online with requests, as well as phone calls,” said Dyer.
Those applying must meet strict income qualifications and prove loss of income due to COVID 19. Council president Luiz Chavez says this is an attempt to get ahead of the eviction moratorium ending in June.
“We have over 8,000 families that are at risk of really being evicted. And as you know, the moratorium is going to be lifted not too far from now. And so we wanted to be ready. Ready to address that wave that we know is coming,” said Chavez.
Funding will be used to cover rent and utilities that have been past due from April of 2020 to March of 2021. Applicants must apply online at www.era.fresno.gov.
