Renters, Landlords Urged to Apply for Emergency Rental Assistance before National Eviction Moratorium Ends
Renters and landlords in Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties are urged to apply for emergency rental assistance funds before the national eviction moratorium ends on June 30. Applications for Milwaukee and Waukesha County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Programs (ERAP) are online at: https://webportalapp.com/sp/communityadvocates-application.
“Renters who are facing housing insecurity and landlords who are losing income should take advantage of these federal funds right away,” said Kristin Silva, Waukesha County Community Development Manager. “Anyone who is worried about losing their home once the eviction moratorium ends on June 30th should consider this program to see if they qualify. Our goal is to help everyone stay in their homes without disruption to their lives.”
ERAP will pay up to fifteen months of rent assistance, including up to twelve months of back-rent for qualifying people who experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. ERAP will also pay home energy costs, including back-utilities in arrears. Financial hardship could include losing one’s job, experiencing reduced wages, or contending with illness related to COVID-19.
“Addressing housing instability is critical in advancing health and racial equity for our residents,” said James Mathy, Administrator, Milwaukee County Housing Division. “We want people to know help is available. Housing is a key social determinant of health. If individuals are evicted, our most vulnerable communities will be impacted the most.”
Renters may qualify for ERAP if individuals within the household have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 outbreak; or if one or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, or if the household has an income at or below 80% of area median income.
Landlords may request rental assistance on behalf of tenants who are behind or at risk of becoming behind on rent payments. ERAP payments are made directly to landlords or utility companies NOT directly to the renter. Successful applications are typically paid out within around ten days.
About the Milwaukee/Waukesha County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed in December. Milwaukee County was allocated $23.2 million and Waukesha County was allocated $26.4 million from the US Treasury Department to provide direct financial assistance for rent and utility costs for individuals who qualify. ERAP funds will be administered through Community Advocates, Inc.
Qualification information and details about how to apply are available at https://communityadvocates.net.
About Community Advocates Inc.
Since 1976, the Milwaukee-based Community Advocates has provided a spectrum of programs and services to thousands of people experiencing housing insecurity every year. Its Public Policy Institute targets poverty through nonpartisan changes to relevant public policies and laws; preventing its effects through public health efforts; and increasing opportunity and wellness for low-income people by fostering factors related to success, resilience, and well-being.
View the ERAP flyer
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