Rental assistance program offers relief to households impacted by COVID-19

     Community Services League (CSL) and United Way of Greater Kansas City have formed a collaborative partnership to implement and administer Jackson County’s $11,550,205 federal rental assistance. Funds will be used to assist eligible households that are unable to pay past due rent and utility bills due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
     The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) provides financial assistance and housing stability services in Eastern Jackson County to eligible rental households who demonstrate a risk of experiencing housing instability, have seen their income reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic, and earn a household income at or below 80% of the area median income. Rental and utility assistance payments are made directly to the landlord or utility provider on behalf of the tenant.
     More information about the program, including eligibility requirements, an application checklist, and more, can be found at www.jacksoncountyerap.org. Detailed program information is also available for Spanish-speaking families at www.jacksoncountyerap.org/espanol.
     Grandview Assistance Program (GAP), Raytown Emergency Assistance Program (REAP), and Hope House, in addition to CSL’s locations, are serving as application hubs with dedicated ERAP Case Managers.
     The $11.5 million grant is part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which established a $25 billion Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program for state, county, and municipal governments.
     Kansas City, Missouri received its own grant funding of $14.8 million directly from the federal government and is administering its own rental assistance program for households within city limits.