CAACC Community Services has Coronavirus Relief funds from the CARES Act available to assist households impacted by COVID-19 with rent or mortgage payments and to prevent water and sewer disconnections as of November 2, 2020.
Ohioans, who are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level and have fallen behind on rent or mortgage payments, water bills, or sewer payments are encouraged to contact their local community action agency to submit an application for assistance. Funds are available for a limited time and applicants are encouraged to reach out early.
“We are thrilled to have this resource available to help our community maintain safe and healthy homes for their families as we recover from the economic fallout from COVID-19,” said Thomas E. Andrews, CEO. “Though the funds are available for a short time, this new resource and our experience administering similar programs will help hundreds of households once again find stable ground.”
Governor Mike DeWine announced the availability of funds last Friday during a joint press conference with members of the General Assembly. The funding is part of the CARES Act stimulus package and are available until December 30, 2020. All households who are experiencing challenges in paying their past due payments should contact Community Action Agency of Columbiana County at 330-424-4013 to learn more or complete an application.
“Though the eviction moratorium by the Centers for Disease Control has prevented some residential evictions for non-payment of rent and mortgage bills, late fees they are still accumulating,” said Martina Grimm, Community Services Director. “This funding will make a high impact, will keep families in their homes now, and will prevent future evictions.”
Residents outside of Columbiana County can find their local Community Action Agency by visiting https://oacaa.org/agency-directory/
Application Process
Ohio households with an annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines will be eligible for assistance. For a family of four, that is an annual income up to $52,400. Individuals that are currently unemployed will only need to provide proof of income for the last 30 days for verification purposes. Additionally, any federal unemployment stipend is excluded from determining a household’s benefit.
Ohioans will need to provide the following information when they apply:
• Names of all household members
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Current or Previous address
• Copies of Social Security cards, or verification
for each household member
• Proof of income for all household members
18 years or older for a minimum of the past
30 days
• Any supporting documentation to
demonstrate need
• Hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic
To receive Rental Assistance, they will also need to provide:
• Eviction or past due rent notice. Notice should
include total amount due (including fees)
• If moving to a new location, justification for
the move (i.e. currently homeless, living with
another family and not sufficient space etc.)
• Landlord verification/proof of ownership and
agreement to receive funds
• Lease agreement
To receive Mortgage Assistance, they will also need to provide:
• Notice of late mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance)
To receive Utility Assistance, they will also need to provide:
• Copy of utility bill demonstrating the account has been shut off, is in disconnect status or is
past due