Source: Rich Dad

On March 6, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act passed the Senate as part of the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package. Among other initiatives, this act includes substantial funds towards housing assistance. Here’s what's included:

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) - $25 Billion

Grantees: States and local governments

Uses: Financial assistance for back & forward rent, utility payments, and other housing expenses for up to 18 months

Eligibility: Households with income below 80% AMI are considered eligible if one or more household individuals has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the pandemic and can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability

Allocation: Typically through partners and not directly through a government agency. Funds are distributed to grantees (state & local governments) who then allocate funds to partners on the ground (such as nonprofit agencies) to distribute. Households and landlords then apply for assistance through programs established by these partners.

Of the $25 Billion, the state of South Carolina received  $346,020,970.50. Greenville County received $15,833,163.40. Here is the application for assistance in Greenville County.

Homeless Assistance - $5 Billion

Grantees: States and local governments

Uses: Development and support of affordable housing, acquisition, and development of non-congregate shelter units, tenant-based rental assistance, support services including housing counseling and homeless prevention services

Eligibility:  Individuals or households that are or at risk of experiencing homelessness; people who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking; populations for whom supportive services would prevent the family’s homelessness or having a high risk of housing instability; households with a  veteran family member that meets one of these criteria

Allocation: Through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HUD)

Emergency Housing Vouchers - $5 Billion

Grantees: Public Housing Agencies (PHAs)

Uses: New emergency vouchers, renewals of emergency vouchers

Eligibility: People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness;  people who are fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, or human trafficking

Allocation: HUD will notify PHAs of the number of emergency vouchers they will be provided within 60 days of passage of the act

Click here to find your local PHA

Click here for Greenville County PHA

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