Assisting Low and Moderate Income Households Behind on Payments Due to COVID-19
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July 2, 2021 (Deer Park) –The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) may provide relief for Town of Brookhaven residents who are behind on rent and utility payments due to COVID-19.
ERAP, which is funded through the United States Treasury Department, provides economic relief to households that have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and are at risk of homelessness or housing instability. The program can provide temporary rental assistance of up to 12 months of past due rent and up to 3 months of future rent. For some households, this program can pay up to 12 months of overdue electric or gas bills.
“For many Brookhaven residents, receiving this emergency financial assistance is crucial to their livelihood and ability to provide for themselves and their families. We are confident in the ability of United Way of Long Island, along with our other partnering organizations, to reach residents who may not be aware of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program or how to apply for aid,” said Town of Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine.
United Way of Long Island recently received a grant from Brookhaven Town to provide outreach, education and communication to local residents about ERAP, as well as assistance to complete the application.
Additional nonprofit partners include the Economic Opportunity Council of Suffolk, Family Service League, Federation of Organizations, Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, Options for Community Living, SEPA Mujer, Inc. and United Veterans Beacon House.
“This grant from the Town of Brookhaven advances United Way’s mission of creating opportunities to uplift families by helping them become financially stable. Our organization is working with Community Navigators to provide personalized assistance in helping seniors, veterans and individuals apply to ERAP,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United way of Long Island. She added, “A mobile billboard vehicle, displaying a QR Code, will be traveling to communities with high concentrations of residents impacted by the effects of COVID-19. One of the most accessible ways for residents to get connected is to dial 2-1-1.”
To qualify for the Town of Brookhaven Emergency Rental Assistance Program:
- Must be a resident of Town of Brookhaven, with proof of residency, and residing in the property that is in arrears
- One of more adults in the household must have qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced other financial hardships due directly to COVID-19
- Must be able to provide a fully executed rental lease or agreement where the lease is in the Applicant’s name and the Applicant is responsible for monthly rent payments
- Household income must be 80% or below Area Median Income
If you are a Town of Brookhaven resident and would like to apply to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, visit www.brookhavenny.gov/rent or contact United Way's 211 helpline by dialing 2-1-1, or outside of Nassau and Suffolk Counties dial 1-888-774-7633, 7 days a week, or visit 211longisland.org. More information is also available at www.otda.ny.gov/ERAP.
Photo Caption: The Town of Brookhaven and United Way activated a mobile billboard vehicle bringing awareness to residents about the NY State Emergency Rental Assistance Program available for people affected by COVID-19. Funding is provided through the United States Treasury Department.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, financial stability and health. We recruit people and organizations that bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. United Way of Long Island is part of a worldwide network spanning across 41 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit UnitedWayLI.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About the Town of Brookhaven Department of Housing & Community Development
The Department of Housing and Community Development addresses the various needs of our residents and improves the quality of life for all who reside in Brookhaven.
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