A COVID relief rental aid program ends 6/30/22, but there is still time to apply for help

This is from an article in the Detroit Free Press, “Statewide rent aid program will stop taking new applications June 30. What to know.” by Nushrat Rahman, 6/15/22.

“A statewide program to help families catch up on rent payments and avoid eviction will stop taking new applications after the end of the month.“ 

The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) will continue to take applications for assistance until 9 p.m. June 30, 2022. 

“The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) — which is responsible for administering the $1.1 billion program that's been in place for a little more than a year — said that it will continue processing applications until all funds are used up. 

“Those who have already completed a CERA application should check their status, but should not apply again because that can slow down the overall processing time, said Julie Schneider, acting director of the city's [Detroit’s] Housing and Revitalization Department.”… 

"The program provides up to 18 months of rental assistance for qualifying applicants who faced economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can also be used to help pay for utility bills. Applicants must be below 80% of the area median income. …Applicants must also show proof of financial distress since the pandemic began, such as qualifying for unemployment or having a past due rent notice.“

“…Funds will continue to go out to those who are approved until Sept. 30, or until aid runs out…” 

The article has more information for people living in Detroit and assistance available there.

A little hope for the New Year: Michigan legislature and the Governor agree to $465M in COVID relief

From the Associated Press, 12/19/2020:

Michigan lawmakers, Whitmer agree to $465M in virus aid

"LANSING — Michigan lawmakers and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer agreed to a $465 million pandemic spending plan, including relief payments to businesses and workers struggling to stay afloat because of the coronavirus and government restrictions to curb its spread.

"The legislation received overwhelming Senate support late Friday and is expected to win House passage on Monday before legislators adjourn for the year. Nearly half of the funding would be used to continue, through March, a maximum 26 weeks of unemployment benefits in a year instead of 20 weeks."

A Federal stimulus bill also appears to be headed for approval. Whether this is enough to help ordinary citizens survive the impending economic fallout from the COVID pandemic, at least it is not nothing.

The State bi-partisan agreement includes:

• $220 million to extend, not expand, unemployment benefits through March.
• $100 million in hazard pay for frontline workers helping to fight COVID-19. That's extending a $2 per hour raise offered earlier this year through the end of February.
• $79.1 million for the administration and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.$63.5 million for a “small business survival grant program.”
• $45 million in direct aid for people who lost their job or were furloughed because of the pandemic. Eligible Michigan residents can receive up to 
• $1,650 through this fund.$22.55 million for testing of vulnerable communities, such as nursing homes or other long-term care facilities.
• $3.5 million for local concert venues.