Read the full article HERE.

Kelcie Moseley-Morris of the Idaho Capital Sun is reporting the Idaho Housing and Finance Association plans to pause applications for emergency rental assistance funds on Dec. 29 because federal funds are quickly running dry for areas beyond Ada County.

The Emergency Rental Assistance program is meant to help individuals with rent or utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether it’s retroactive or future rent and utilities.

An applicant’s income must not exceed 80% of the area median income, and they must provide a statement from a landlord indicating past rent or a bill from a utility company. The assistance lasts a maximum of 18 months, and payments are sent directly to landlords or utility companies to keep accounts current.

Jason Lantz, marketing and communications director of the Idaho Housing and Finance Association, said the organization hopes to open applications again in January if the Legislature approves an additional funding request of $15.4 million for fiscal year 2023. That would allow the association to continue to spend funds in January rather than having to wait until the 2024 fiscal year. The extra funding would allow the program to continue for a few more months, Lantz said.

During the 2022 legislative session, the Idaho Legislature approved $38 million from the $53.5 million available to Idaho in the Emergency Rental Assistance funding. It passed the House with a vote of 37-33, and 29-5 in the Senate. That $38 million is expected to be exhausted over the next month.

“If supplemental funds aren’t approved, then we’ll be forced to close the program, period,” Lantz said. “If supplemental funds are appropriated, then we hope this pause will be temporary and we’ll be able to provide at least a few months of additional assistance.”

ncG1vNJzZmihlJa1sLrEsKpnm5%2BifK%2Bx1qxmpaeTlrlwtcOan6hlmKTCtLXNoGSappRis6q6wKeanmWkpHqxrdSsnGadnZq%2FqLHNnLBmqpWjwaK4jJqqrKGjqa6vr8Rmp6unl6eurg%3D%3D