The U.S. Department of the Treasury has published information for state and local governments about the new $25 billion Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program that was enacted as part of the most recent COVID-19 emergency relief package. In general, funds under this program may be used for housing and utility payments, and emergency payments can be made to either the landlord or utility, or directly to the household/resident in need.
Under the program, the U.S. Treasury will make funding directly available to state and local governments with more than 200,000 residents that apply by January 12, 2021. Local governments that cannot access ERA funds directly will need to negotiate with the state and county governments to gain access to aid for residents.
Contact: Paul Penna, Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609 695-3481, x110.