HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Rental assistance for Madison County residents affected by the pandemic is still on pause.
County commissioners held a special meeting Wednesday, discussing how rent, back rent and utilities would be capped.
Another big topic would be how the funds would be distributed to avoid overlapping within Huntsville city limits.
County Commissioner Violet Edwards (Dist. 6) sought the assistance, however her district was up for discussion since it does include Huntsville city limits.
"I just know the need in my district, and I just think that it's a big mistake to say that the county has this money and for you to purposely leave a district out, especially a district that has 52.4% rentership," says Edwards.
Edwards says the ball is rolling and hopefully by next week the commission will able to vote on getting the money out.
For information on rent assistance, see below:
According to the Emergency Rental Assistance website, to qualify for this assistance, one or more of the tenant household members have:
- Qualified for unemployment benefits; OR
- Attest in writing that due to or during the pandemic, they:
- Experienced a reduction in household income,
- Incurred significant costs, or
- Experienced financial hardship
- AND Households must also demonstrate they:
- Are at risk of homelessness or housing instability by providing an eviction notice or past-due utility or rent notice; OR
- Live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions
- The unit you are renting must be your primary residence and be located within the State of Alabama.
Click here to help determine if you are eligible.
The application is online. Applicants will need proof of income and a valid rental agreement. Click here to begin the application process.
If you need help filling out the application, call 1-833-620-2434.
Applicants can only apply for three months of help at a time, but once approved, people can apply for three more months of assistance if there is still money left.