Cleveland, OH - Cuyahoga County announced today a new program to help eligible residents with utility payments. A grant agreement put forth by County Executive Armond Budish requesting approval to use $2 million of CARES Act funding to provide utility assistance to residents who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic was approved today by County Council. CHN Housing Partners, the organization administering the Cuyahoga County Rent Relief Fund, will also administer the utility assistance program funded by the County.
“We are continuing to do everything we can to assist residents in need during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. “During this pandemic, the need for rent and utility aid has never been greater. CHN Housing Partners reported that 66 percent of applicants seeking rental assistance are also seeking utility assistance. This program will support eligible residents in need of assistance paying sewer, water, wastewater, electric, and gas utilities.”
“Besides rent, paying utility bills is one of the biggest struggles for working families during this pandemic,” said Kevin J. Nowak, executive director of CHN Housing Partners. “We are grateful to Executive Budish and County Council for allocating precious dollars to help county residents stay safely housed during this crisis.”
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of being at or below 120 percent of Median Household Income (MHI) and have been impacted by COVID-19, such as through the loss of income, childcare needs, or illness.
The program is expected to run from November 11, 2020 through December 31, 2020 but could go longer if an extension for CARES funding is approved by Congress that would allow for the program to extend beyond December 2020.
To apply for the utility assistance funds, go to: www.chnhousingpartners.org/utilityassistance
For questions or help applying, call 833-377-7368.
Photo courtesy of Cuyahoga County
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