PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The application processes started up again on Monday for individuals in New Jersey and Delaware who are having a tough time paying their rent because of the pandemic.
In New Jersey, $353 million is available for this round of the COVID-19 emergency rental assistance program.
"It will provide up to 12 months of rental assistance to low and moderate-income families in New Jersey," explained Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver.
She considers someone eligible if they had a reduction in income or experienced financial hardships, both because of the pandemic.
"I think about people whose hours have been cut at their jobs," she elaborated, "people whose jobs just shut down totally, people whose jobs have said, 'Well, we're not going to be able to make it, we're going to close up,' people affected on that way."
Residents are being asked to apply online but can call the Department of Community Affairs if they have trouble using the internet or speak a second language.
"If you're not sure you're eligible, apply anyway," advised Oliver.
Apply when you're ready, but Oliver said people don't have to drop everything they're doing to apply right this second, because this isn't first come, first serve.
"What we can assure you is that we will give everyone fair access to have a shot at this money," she said. "The application period will remain open until an adequate number of people have submitted their applications and until the $353 million is exhausted."
The last go-round of rental assistance in New Jersey saw 15,000 households helped. There were 4,200 families helped in the first round of the the Delaware Housing Assistance Program. Round two also reopened to applicants Monday.
Anyone interested can sign up on the portal.
Andre Frantone, who lives in Wilmington, is applying once again, as it's been a rough year for him.
"Prior to the pandemic, I was executive chef at the Sheraton Downtown Wilmington," he said. "When this thing hit, a lot of hospitality places were shut down. We were no exception."
He said Delaware's first round of rental assistance was a lifesaver for him and his family, and had a message for everyone who helped make it happen.
"Without y'all, me and my family would probably be homeless," Frantone, who is now a stay-at-home dad, said through tears.
Delaware has $200 million to spend in this latest round.
Surveys show 95% of those who received assistance before are still housed, and 70% of them were about to be evicted.
According to Philadelphia's rental assistance website, the next phase of their program will begin before the end of the month.
Gov. Tom Wolf last week announced the launch of Pennsylvania's Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
