Housing advocates in Indiana are working to increase access to undistributed rental assistance funds.
Amy Nelson is executive director of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. She said the state received almost 327 million dollars in CARES Act funding for rental assistance but had only distributed about $10 million by the middle of June.
“I know the state is working to try and remedy the situation, but we do want to make sure people are aware and apply for the rental assistance programs," Nelson said.
She said some federal assistance programs have applications that are hard to complete. For example, not everyone has internet access or the ability to obtain a copy of their lease.
Under the Indiana program, qualified applicants can receive up to 12 months of rental assistance, as well as utility assistance.
To qualify, tenants must not be able to pay rent in full due to substantial loss of income. Additionally, the would have to prove they would likely become homeless if evicted, among other criteria.
