SALT LAKE CITY-A new financial aid program is available for Utahns who are falling through the cracks, especially when it comes to paying rent.
Jonathan Handy, the Utah Housing Community Development Director at the Utah Department of Workforce Services says the Rental Assistance Program is only for those who do not qualify for unemployment insurance.
Workers who have taken a pay-cut but are still working full-time, or those who work more than one job and have only lost one of them because of coronavirus restriction, may not be eligible for unemployment.
Furthermore, undocumented workers, who have had little relief through the pandemic, can qualify for help.
Handy says $4 million is available in rental aid to hand out to Utahns.
Of those funds, $1 million is from existing federal HOME funds which usually go to affordable housing construction or ongoing housing vouchers.
The Beehive State obtained a waiver from Housing and Urban Development to use the funds for short-term rental assistance.
The other $3 million stems from the CARES Act.
Tenants who cannot pay their rent may call 2-1-1 to get vital information concerning how and where to apply.
If accepted, the funds are sent directly to the landlord.
March 27, Utah Gov. Gary Herbert signed an executive order which prohibits landlords from evicting tenants if they are unable to pay rent. This moratorium runs through May 15 and only applies to those who have lost their incomes because of coronavirus restrictions and illness.
