Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner yesterday announced a significant expansion of the County’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The expansion will enable the County to assist more residents in need of assistance due to the financial ramifications of the pandemic. Funded by a $7.7 million grant from the U.S. Treasury Department, the expanded COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program is made possible through a partnership with the Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs.
“The economic hardship from the pandemic has taken its toll on many people through no fault of their own,” said County Executive Gardner. “Expanding our rental assistance program should allow more residents to stay in their homes. I appreciate our strong partnership with the Religious Coalition to bring this much-needed assistance to the people who most need it.”
According to a County press release:
Renters who have been financially affected may be eligible for up to 12 months of payments toward rent dating back to March of 2020, as well as utility and home energy payments for renters. Utilities may include electricity, gas, water and sewer, trash removal, and energy costs such as fuel oil. In some cases, the cost for internet service also may be eligible. The program may cover other expenses related to housing that were incurred directly or indirectly as a result of the health pandemic.
To be eligible, applicants must be renting in Frederick County, have lost income or experienced a financial hardship related to COVID-19, and must meet the following income eligibility:
Applications will be accepted beginning at 8 a.m. Monday, March 15. To apply online, visit www.rcehn.org/covid-emergency-rental-assistance. Those without access to the internet may call 1-800-220-9528. Questions about the program should be emailed to COVIDhelp@rcehn.org.
