Additional funds available to help residents facing eviction
Mayor Greg Fischer today announced that Louisville Metro Government is reopening applications for eviction prevention assistance to renters following a new $22.9 million federal allocation.
Beginning Monday, February 15, the city’s Office of Resilience and Community Services will start accepting new appointments for those in need of rental assistance because of financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office of Housing already has begun processing applications for assistance through the Court Eviction Diversion Program and will begin accepting applications from community service providers on behalf of tenants needing assistance.
Receiving prior assistance does not preclude renters from being eligible for additional assistance. As of January 31, Louisville Metro had provided a total of $20.7 million in rental assistance to more than 17,300 Louisville residents to keep them housed.
“Using an initial $21 million from the 2020 federal CARES Act, we have been successful in helping thousands of Louisvillians maintain safe and stable housing, but we know people are continuing to struggle to pay rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That is why this additional federal assistance is critical to preventing a tide wave of evictions and homelessness,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I encourage everyone in need of assistance to please reach out.”
Eligible households may receive assistance for past-due rent dating back to April 2020, plus an additional three months of assistance for future rent payments if needed to ensure housing stability.
According to federal regulations, eligible households must:
- Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;
- Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median.
A family of four earning 80 percent of the area median income in Louisville has an annual income of $62,000.
The Court Eviction Diversion Program is made possible because of a partnership with the Legal Aid Society.
“Eviction prevention measures are needed now more than ever while so many families face dire economic circumstances and the possibility of homelessness,” said Neva-Marie Polley Scott, Executive Director of the Legal Aid Society. Help is available from Legal Aid and a strong network of community agencies at www.stopmyeviction.org. Getting help now is essential for tenants who have questions about the CDC moratorium, need of financial resources, and need of legal services.”
Those facing possible eviction are encouraged to visit StopMyEviction.org to connect to assistance, or call (502) 308-3344 or visit louisvilleky.gov/neighborhoodplace to schedule an appointment at a Neighborhood Place location. Renters with a pending court case should call 502-574-1707. The Legal Aid Society can be reached at (502) 584-1254 and www.yourlegalaid.org.
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