Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds assigned to Linn County used

Cedar Rapids, Iowa – Linn County has stated that all federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds assigned to the county have been used, and the application process is now closed.

“ERAP Round 1” and “ERAP Round 2” were the two tranches in which the money was distributed. The ERAP2 initiative awarded Linn County $5.3 million.

The approval procedure for ERAP2 funds was substantially faster than for ERAP1 funds since the requirements were more flexible.

Residents who require rent and utility assistance may apply to the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program (IRUAP) beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, at 12 p.m.

The Iowa Finance Authority manages the program, which provides assistance with past due rent and utility payments. Renters are only eligible for a total of 12 months of help from the IRUAP and Linn County programs combined. No IRUAP aid may be used in conjunction with any other help previously provided via Linn County’s emergency rental assistance program. iowahousingrecovery.com has further information, including documents and qualifying requirements.

Local initiatives might provide additional financial support. Waypoint may be reached via phone at 319-366-7999 or by email at coordinatedentry2@gmail.com for further information.

“The demand for this program was even greater than we originally anticipated. I am proud of all the efforts of the partners involved and that we were able to get as much assistance on the ground to local landlords and tenants as quickly as we did to address the negative economic impacts felt by Linn County residents as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Linn County Community Outreach & Assistance Director Ashley Balius. “We will continue to work with those in need to find the best possible assistance available to them and meet their needs. Since the start of the pandemic, Linn County has been working closely with our community partners and the State to do everything we can to help people and families in need, and we will continue this work.”

Linn County has been providing rent and utility assistance to residents of Linn County via the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2 (ERAP2) since August 16, 2021, with the help of Waypoint and HACAP. Nearly 1,500 Linn County households have benefited from this funding, the majority of which are categorized as “extremely low income.”

HACAP will make final payments to applications that have previously been received by the program.