The Hamilton County Township Association (HCTA) announced Thursday that since the launch of the Hamilton County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (HC ERAP) on March 15, a total of $2.4 million in rental/utility assistance to Hamilton County residents has been awarded.
Earlier this year, Hamilton County was given a $10 million Emergency Rental Assistance grant from the U.S. Department of Treasury for COVID-19 assistance. Specifically, this funding will assist renter households unable to pay rent and/or utilities due to loss of income from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tolan
“Unfortunately, the program had to close for approximately two weeks in June so that we could replenish funds and prepare for the next round of funding,” said Danielle Carey Tolan, President of the Hamilton County Township Association, who also serves as the Washington Township Trustee. “We are happy to report that we are now open and don’t anticipate needing to close the program in the future. We’ll be able to help local renters and landlords until we have spent the entire grant. We especially want to help households who are at risk of homelessness, have been unemployed for 90 days or more, or who make less than 50 percent of our area median income.”
To be eligible for financial assistance from HC ERAP, you must be a renter in Hamilton County, at least one adult in your household must have experienced a loss of income due to COVID-19, and your household income must be at or below 80 percent of the area’s median income. The application has a short pre-qualification section to confirm eligibility before you fill out the full application.
The online application, available in ten languages, can be found at HCTAIndiana.com. A call center has been established for assistance; that number is (317) 618-3125 and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The website also provides a list of local partners throughout the county available to help residents with the application process. You can visit your local library or a partner site if you need internet access. Paper applications are also available at partner sites.
Altman
“Many of our neighbors and friends here in Hamilton County have financially struggled over the course of the pandemic,” said County Commissioner Christine Altman. “This funding helps fill in the gaps for renters and landlords who are struggling to pay their rent and utility bills. We will continue to do everything in our power to help residents weather this storm.”
Background
The Hamilton County Emergency Rental Assistance Program is included in the most recent stimulus package from the U.S. Department of Treasury. Six Indiana counties, including Hamilton County, were allocated funds in terms of grant dollars for COVID-19 relief assistance for rent and utilities. Specifically, Hamilton County received $10,120,511.40. These funds will be administered through Dec. 31, 2021, or until all funds have been distributed. For more information, visit HCTAIndiana.com.