Montgomery County Approves $20 Million to Provide Eviction Protection and Relief for Renters
the approval is to expand rental assistance for eviction and homelessness prevention was approved today by the Montgomery County Council. This funding will expand the County’s eviction and homelessness prevention programs, including the COVID Rent Relief program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
“Today’s vote provides much-needed, additional support for the people of Montgomery County,” said County Executive Marc Elrich.
we want to be prepared for the hearings of rental nonpayment cases that will likely take place after August 31
“The pandemic has caused severe income loss and economic distress for households across Montgomery County,” said Council President Sidney Katz. “This $20 million in assistance is essential to ensuring that renters in our community can continue to stay in their homes.
The County received funding from the Coronavirus Relief Fund to address emergency needs from the impact of COVID-19. DHHS’s Services to End and Prevent Homelessness’ programs will use the funds to provide financial assistance at levels needed to prevent eviction and end homelessness. The programs evaluate the risks of eviction and homelessness concentrated in communities experiencing disproportionate impacts of COVID-19, prioritizing households determined to be at the greatest risk of eviction and loss of housing.
Eviction is not just a result of poverty, but a cause of it. Evictions cause instability for children, lead to depression, and a loss of possessions. The most damaging effect of evictions results in poor rental history which prevents households from relocating to safe and decent housing.
Montgomery County has existing programs that provide critical support for tenants to avoid eviction and maintain housing. DHHS' Housing Stabilization Services can assess families and individuals to determine eligibility for financial assistance (utility bills, eviction prevention, and mortgage foreclosure assistance) and screen for other services or agencies for assistance. During COVID-19, appointments are done by telephone. Households with court notices or utility shutoff notices can call 311 to be connected with staff in Housing Stabilization Services.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER