Agenda Item Name:
Title
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Policy Update
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Presenter:
Claudia Tuck (352) 264-6704
Description:
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Policy Updates
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Provide policy direction, approve recommendations, and adopt amendments to the ERAP definitions, guidelines and policies, as proposed
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Prior Board Motions:
On 1/26/2021, the BoCC accepted the U.S. Treasury Award of $8.1 million
On 2/23/2021, the BoCC approved an agreement with Carr, Riggs, & Ingram (CRI) for Program Administration and Implementation
On 2/23/2021, the BoCC provided CRI with some policy direction.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
None
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Background:
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) makes available $25 billion to assist eligible households that are unable to pay, utilities, and internet arrears due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability. The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is prioritized. Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household's rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future rent payments. The Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has adopted definitions, guidelines and policies to implement the ERAP and modifications to such documents are recommended, as presented.
The County has contracted with Carr, Riggs, and Ingram (CRI) to administer ERAP. CRI is seeking BoCC direction and approval regarding modifications, including the following:
* Increase maximum cap of individual assistance from $15,000 to $20,000; and
* Approve payments of months 13-15 for eligible households; and
* Remove Waiver Fee language to allow program to pay late fees and other payments to landlords to prevent eviction; and
* ...
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