We are pleased to report that help is on the way for tenants and landlords alike, all of whom have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, with $9.6 million being made available as part of the CARES Act Emergency Rental Assistance program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many hardships for those in our community who are trying to provide for their family on a day to day basis. We know residents have lost their jobs, had their hours cut or been forced to leave jobs due to childcare needs during the pandemic. This funding will help fill in the gaps for Rockland residents who are struggling to pay their rent and utility bills. We will continue to do everything in our power to help residents weather this storm.

Funds from this program will be paid directly to landlords on behalf of tenants who have experienced unemployment or a reduction in household income; or incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tenant must also demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and demonstrate the household income does not exceed 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).

As soon as they receive official guidance from the federal government with program specifics, the Rockland County Department of Social Services will officially announce the program’s opening. They are currently working with our state partners to establish an online portal for applying for the much-needed funds. In order to disseminate application details as timely as possible, we encourage tenants and landlords to complete our contact forms so we can share the latest information with them directly. Eligibility is based on a scale that includes Area Median Income coupled with the number of people in the family.

The Rockland County Department of Social Services has received an allotment of funds from the U.S Department of Treasury for rent and utility arrears; and rent and utility assistance, to be paid to landlords on behalf of persons who have experienced unemployment or a reduction in household income; or incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program goal is to stabilize housing by minimizing homelessness and prevent housing loss for Rockland County tenants.

If you are a Tenant and wish to be informed when program updates are available, please complete the Tenant Contact Form and you will receive by email and/or text messages all future information: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210604770190044

If you are a Landlord who has tenants that may have experienced financial hardship, due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic, and are in arrears on their rent, please complete the Landlord Contact Form and updates on the program will be emailed to you as they become available: https://hipaa.jotform.com/210605174088150

For more information visit: https://rocklandgov.com/departments/social-services/emergency-rental-assistance-program/

As I’ve said before, it’s our ultimate goal to assist our residents in need and we will continue to get through these very difficult times together.