Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief

Commissioners budgeted $7 Million in Assistance through the Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief Program

 Click here to download informational document.

Hamilton County Commissioners awarded three separate contracts last week to help Hamilton County renters stay in their homes and keep the lights on during the COVID-19-pandemic. The Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief Program draws on CARES Act funds to provide short term assistance to renters who live in Hamilton County and can document income loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Initially, the Freestore Foodbank, Talbert House and Community Action Agency were awarded the competitively bid contracts totaling $3.5 million. In response to additional community need for rental relief, Commissioners increased the funding  available for rental assistance to a total of $7 million. 

“So many in Hamilton County are struggling right now to pay their rent and utilities due to lost income from COVID19” said Commission President Denise Driehaus. “This assistance will allow families to stay in their homes and avoid eviction.”

“Keeping families who are financially impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic from becoming homeless, is clearly one of our top priorities,” Said Commission Vice President Stephanie Summerow Dumas. “By working with the tenants and the landlords, we can make arrangements to ensure people can stay in their homes.”

The County will pay up to $5,000 for rent and utilities for households at or below 80% of the Area Median Income:

Number of People in Household 1 2 3 4 5 6
Max Income 80% of Area Median Income  $48,350 $55,250 $62,150 $63,050 $74,600 $80,100
Number of People in Household Max Income 80% of Area Median Income 
1 $48,350
2 $55,250
3 $62,150
4 $63,050
5 $74,600
6 $80,100

 

The providers will also work with landlords to ensure that the renters will not be evicted for non-payment. 

“Right now, there are families in our county deciding between paying rent or keeping food on the table,” said Commissioner Victoria Parks. “This grant money is for them so they can survive this pandemic without facing homelessness.”

“Freestore Foodbank is thrilled to be able to assist local families with rent and utility needs to ensure stability during these difficult times,” said Kurt Reiber, Freestore Foodbank CEO. “Thank you Hamilton County Commissioners for making this resource through the CARES Act available to households in need as we know the negative effects of COVID-19 continue to challenge our community.” 

“Talbert House appreciates this opportunity to provide rent and utility assistance as well as offer connection to primary care, employment and mental health and substance use treatment to the residents of Hamilton County,” said Jimmy Wilson, Talbert House Vice President.  

“The funding provided by Hamilton County will expand CAA’s ability to help those effected by COVID-19.  At our Agency, we have seen a large increase in the number of requests for assistance due to the pandemic. These funds will ensure that we can continue to meet people where they are and provide them with the support needed during this time,” said Mark Lawson, President/CEO for the Community Action Agency. 

How to Apply

To apply, Hamilton County renters can contact:

Talbert House
     https://www.talberthouse.org/
     (513) 338-8596 (24-hour Housing Hotline), (513) 281-CARE
     [email protected]

If you have already applied, please know our partner agencies are working hard to get through all of the applications as quickly as possible.

HCJFS
Applicants should complete the application filling out all information, using great detail in explaining how COVID-19 has impacted them financially. 

If an applicant is requesting rent the following is needed:
-Vendor form completed by landlord/mortgage holder (download vendor form)
-Some sort of income documentation (pay stubs, unemployment statement, etc)
-Statement showing amount currently owed for rent/mortgage

If an applicant is requesting utilities the following is needed:
-Utility bill including amount owed, account number, name and address on account
-Some sort of income documentation (pay stubs, unemployment statement, etc.)

All applications should be emailed directly to  [email protected]  

If you have already applied, please know our partner agencies are working hard to get through all of the applications as quickly as possible.




Hamilton County CARES

The $7 million in Hamilton County CARES Rent and Utility Relief Program comes from the $142 million allocated to Hamilton County to help reduce the financial impacts of the coronavirus.  

Posted on 07/24/2020