Help is available for those struggling to pay rent in St. Joseph County. Several local agencies are helping to distribute millions of dollars in financial assistance.
In order to qualify, you must be a resident in the county with an income less than 80% of the median household income. You must also have experienced either a coronavirus related financial hardship, income reduction, or unemployment benefits.
The county has more than $8 million from the second CARES Act to disperse to those who may be struggling.
The money will go to different agencies and organizations that aid in financial assistance, like REAL services, Our Lady of the Road and Catholic Charities.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society was just awarded $1.8 million of the $8 million to help people in this community. And there’s a real need for it right now.
The society has distributed more than $610,000 in assistance so far, benefitting 235 families.
The Emergency Rental Assistance program can provide eligible tenants with up to 12 months of rental assistance with an additional three months if needed.
The county has a centralized application on its website. If you already work with a specific agency -- you’ll select which one that is on the application.
The application is open until at least September 30 of this year.