Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes today announced that the county has been awarded nearly $11 million to help local renters avoid eviction during the ongoing pandemic.
The grant, which was made possible by the federal stimulus package signed in December, "will focus on the most vulnerable residents in our community to assist them in avoiding eviction during the pandemic,” Mr. Hughes said.
Funds will be available to pay past-due rent and utilities and to help keep people in their homes. “The plan is to process applications as quickly as possible to get funds in the hands of tenants and landlords who are suffering through this crisis,” Mr. Hughes added.
Online applications will begin on March 1. Eligible applicants are Mercer County renter households only, in which an individual:
- Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due to Covid-19
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, for example, has a past-due utility or rent notice, or an eviction notice
- Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income
Mercer County, through the Board of Social Services, will screen and certify applicants and will work with its community partners to ensure that eligible community members, particularly those facing eviction, get access to the resources in order to keep families from becoming homeless.
For more information, contact the Mercer County Board of Social Services at 609-389-3575, or email erap@mcboss.org.
Social workers from the Board are available Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to assist your household. Mercer County landlords are also encouraged to have their tenants apply for the program if assistance is needed.