Hamilton County Commissioners awarded three separate contracts last week to help Hamilton County renters stay in their homes and keep the lights on during the COVID-19-pandemic. The Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief Program draws on CARES Act funds to provide short term assistance to renters who live in Hamilton County and can document income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Initially, the Freestore Foodbank, Talbert House and Community Action Agency were awarded the competitively bid contracts totaling $3.5 million. In response to additional community need for rental relief, Commissioners increased the funding available for rental assistance to a total of $7 million.
“So many in Hamilton County are struggling right now to pay their rent and utilities due to lost income from COVID19” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “This assistance will allow families to stay in their homes and avoid eviction.”
“Keeping families who are financially impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic from becoming homeless, is clearly one of our top priorities,” Said Commission Vice President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “By working with the tenants and the landlords, we can make arrangements to ensure people can stay in their homes.
