City of Yuma dispersing Emergency Rental Aid to residents affected by COVID-19 unemployment

The city hopes to serve 135 households, on a first come first serve basis.

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The City of Yuma has received special funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the CARES Act, recently passed by congress.

The city says, $370,000 in community development block grant funds are going directly to relieving city residents who are struggling to make rent payments because of COVID-19.

The pandemic is wreaking havoc on the economy, as unemployment is skyrocketing around the nation and locally.

Rhonda Lee-James, assistant director of community development at the City of Yuma, said, “If you worked at a restaurant and your restaurant had to close and your hours were cut or you were completely laid off, it’s hard to make your rent right now.”

While there is currently a moratorium in place on evictions during this pandemic, rent balances steadily accumulate.

"If you’re unemployed or you’re only getting unemployment it’s very difficult for families to put that back payment together during a time when they’re unemployed."

Lee-James says when the moratorium gets lifted residents are going to owe back rent.

"By helping for a couple of months hopefully we can take off the burden of knowing they have accumulated that back rent so they can just look forward to how they’re going to get back on their feet once they go back to work,” said Lee-James.

This week, the City of Yuma approved the Emergency Rental Aid Program, helping residents living within city limits who have had a financial set back because of COVID-19.

The city hopes to help pay two months of rent for 135 households.

These funds will not have to be paid back to the city and can only go towards current and or upcoming rent balances during the pandemic.

To apply, visit the City of Yuma's website.

Under neighborhood services, there is a link to the 2-page application.

Applicants must submit documents including lease agreement, proof of rent payments, pay stubs, and bank statements.

Lee-James said, “I would encourage folks to get right on it this weekend and email it to us and get in line.”

About 50 households have already applied for the Emergency Rental Aid Program.

Applications will be approved on a first come first serve basis and once approved, the payments will be made directly to landlords.