Greene County rental assistance exceeds $1M

Greene County's federal rental assistance program this week exceeded $1 million in awards.

Nearly $1.1 million to 417 applicants had been distributed as of yesterday afternoon, according to a news release. The county in January was selected for $8.8 million in funds to distribute through the U.S. Treasury Department’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

“This pandemic continues to have an impact that reaches far beyond physical health and wellness. That is why programs like the ERA were developed," Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon said in the release. "These funds are intended to help ease a financial burden and be a resource for recovery.”

The Greene County Commission in February voted to partner on the project with Ozarks Area Community Action Corp., Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, Council of Churches of the Ozarks and The Salvation Army.

The organizations, to date, have received more than 5,400 calls about the ERA funding, according to the release.

Part of the $900 billion COVID-19 stimulus package approved by Congress in December, the rental assistance is designed to aid financially at-risk individuals in the community with rent and utilities.