AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin residents who need help with paying rent in the wake of COVID-19 can apply for a new City of Austin assistance program beginning Monday.
The Relief of Emergency Needs for Tenants (RENT) program aims to help more than 1,000 families across Austin with $1.2 million in funds. Residents can apply for an online lottery beginning at 9 a.m. Monday morning until 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.
"The RENT Program is expected to help more than 1,000 families in our community stay in their homes during this difficult time," said Michael Gerber, CEO of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin. "We applaud the Mayor and City Council providing critical funds for this emergency rental assistance program. While the needs in our community will likely far exceed the rent help available, HACA is committed to moving funds quickly to help as many Austin families as possible."
Applicants who are not selected in the lottery will receive written notification with a list of additional potential alternative resources for assistance.
To be eligible for the assistance program, a household must be at or below 80 percent of median income, able to document a financial impact from COVID-19 and in need of rent relief. Applicants must also demonstrate that they are party to an existing lease agreement and that they have not received rental assistance from other programs.
"With so many out of work, the cries for rent relief are loud and they are being heard. Thank you to the Housing Authority and the Austin Apartment Association for helping to rapidly deploy the RENT relief program for those in greatest need. This is our community coming together to get crucial work done," said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.
