Emergency rental assistance — help to avoid eviction

Families facing eviction can get emergency rental assistance through BakerRipley to keep their homes. The program helps people who have fallen behind on rent or utilities avoid losing their housing. Emergency rental assistance covers past-due rent, current rent payments, and utility bills. The program works directly with landlords and utility companies to make payments on behalf of families. People can receive help for up to 18 months of expenses. Families must meet income requirements and show they experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic or other qualifying circumstances. The assistance covers households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Priority goes to families who have been unemployed for 90 days or more and those earning 50% or less of area median income. To apply, families need recent pay stubs or unemployment documents, a lease agreement, past-due rent notices, and utility bills. People can apply online through BakerRipley's website or call their office directly. Staff will review applications and work with landlords to process payments once approved. The program also connects families with additional services like job training and financial counseling. Contact BakerRipley at their main office or visit their website to start an application. Staff can answer questions about eligibility and help families gather the required documents.