Rental assistance program launching soon

The Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS) is still in the process of figuring out how to administer the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), with the goal of taking applications from April. In the meantime, the department is urging those who may qualify for the assistance to begin making preparations.

ERAP is a new federal program that has distributed $25 billion throughout the nation for households unable to pay rent and utilities due to the pandemic. Of that funding, Wyoming has been allocated $200 million.

Emergency Rental Assistance payments are being made directly to the states, U.S. territories, local governments for populations over 200,000 and Indian tribes. At least 90 percent of the funds must be used for direct financial assistance, such as rent, rental arrears, utilities and home energy costs, while the rest may be used for housing stability services.

Eligible households will be able to receive up to a year’s worth of assistance, plus an additional three months if needed and if funds are available. According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, an “eligible household” is a renter household in which at least one person qualifies for unemployment or has experience a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship.

Applicants will also need to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and have a household income at or below 80% of the median in the area. The program covers back rent, which will assist Wyoming landlords left with unpaid rent bills as well as tenants who are struggling.

If you believe you may qualify as a renter, DFS is recommending that you sign up for updates at dfs.wyo.gov and start collecting the documentation needed as outlined on the website. DFS also suggests letting your landlord know you plan to apply.

Landlord should also sign up for updates. DFS recommends that share information with your renters about the program and plan how you can help them apply or do so on their behalf.

At this time, the Eastern Shoshone Housing Authority is offering help to Wyoming residents outside of Fremont County who are facing eviction and cut-off utility services. This assistance will be available until the ERAP launches and more information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ESHA82514.