More than six million dollars in rental assistance up for grabs
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - We’re all continuing to bounce back from the pandemic and now there is some hope for those needing help paying rent or bills to keep a roof over their head.
The U.S. Treasury has provided over 6.5 million dollars to Yuma County after congress passed a relief bill.
“We are very happy to have this. It’s federal money and a lot of the counties chose to use a different route. [We] used the federal authorities. Yuma county decided to take this on ourselves and start our own emergency Rental Assistance Program,” said Kevin Tunell, communications director for Yuma County.
This money will be used for financial assistance and housing stability to residents and landlords throughout the county.
It includes direct payments for rent, late fees, utilities, and other living expenses.
“There's a lot of help for people out there that are in different situations renter has to be at risk of like homelessness or housing instability and unsafe living, there's a number of criteria but the most important thing is that people out there that feel like there is no help, there really is some help, and all they have to do is come to our website," Tunell added.
County residents will be able to submit applications through WACOG’s Emergency Rental Assistance website or call the WACOG office at 928-217-7144. Paper copies of the application are available at the following locations:
- WACOG office - 1235 S. Redondo Center Drive, Yuma
- Yuma County Administration building - 198 S. Main Street, Yuma
- All Yuma County Library locations
- Neighborhood Services, Yuma City Hall, 2nd Floor
- Somerton City Hall-143 N. State Avenue, Somerton
- San Luis City Hall- 1090 E. Union Street, San Luis
- Wellton Town Hall- 28364 Oakland Avenue, Wellton
The county hopes citizens will take advantage of the money just sitting there.
Renters with household incomes under 50% of the area median income will be the top priority.
Those who have been unemployed 90 days or longer also eligible for the money.
If you’re approved for the funding, the payments will be issued directly to the landlord or your utility company.
