Greene County receives $8.8M in rental assistance funds

Greene County was selected for $8.8 million through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

The funds are earmarked to assist financially at-risk individuals in the community with rent and utilities, according to a news release. The funds are part of the $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package approved by Congress in December.

“Seeing firsthand how the CARES funds that were allocated in 2020 benefited our community, the county didn’t want to miss an opportunity that further helps our citizens who have been financially impacted by COVID,” Greene County Budget Officer Jeff Scott said in the release, referring to $34.4 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds approved by the Greene County Commission last year.

“To best reach those in need," Scott added, "Greene County has begun coordinating fund distribution efforts with area organizations and community partners that have existing experience with utility and housing assistance programs.”

Greene County Public Information Officer Donna Barton said via email that the list of partnering organizations is still being finalized. She declined to disclose those who have signed on so far.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program makes up $25 billion of the $900 billion stimulus package. The county submitted its application to the Treasury Department on Jan. 12 and recently received confirmation, officials said.

The Treasury's guidelines for the funds call on assistance for those who have lost income or incurred significant expenses due to the pandemic. Individuals who apply will need to demonstrate a risk of homelessness, and their income levels for 2020 cannot have exceeded 80% of the county's median income, according to the release.