COVID-19: Olmsted Cty Creates Temporary Rent Assistance Program
Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - Olmsted County has created a temporary rental assistance program in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
The County Board, meeting as the Housing and Redevelopment Authority Board, voted yesterday to approve $1 million in emergency funding for the program. The mission of the temporary program is to minimize the number of people who might lose housing due to a loss of income as a result of the pandemic.
“This has provided some relief, but many families are going to struggle to pay back the rent they owe after this crisis is over,” said HRA Director David Dunn.
In order to qualify for assistance the applicants must meet the following qualifications:
- Documented loss of income since March 2020.
- Unemployment reduction
- Temporary income is below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI)
- Less than $2,000 in bank accounts.
- Tenant pays 30% of income, including unemployment benefits, in rent (the remainder is paid by the HRA).
- The tenant must otherwise be in good standing with the landlord.
Additional information about the temporary housing assistance can be obtained at the Olmsted County HRA website, calling 507-328-7130, or emailing covidrenthelp@co.olmsted.mn.us.