Dearborn Major John O’Reilly Jr. said the city is committed to helping residents, and allocating federal funds to prevent evictions, which he sees as a lifeline to residents.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – Grant applications for up to $5,000, to cover up to six months of rent, mortgage and utilities, will begin Jan. 18 for residents hard hit by the pandemic, city officials announced.
The federally funded Rent/Mortgage/Utility Grant Program is designed to prevent the eviction of low-to-moderate-income residents who meet program criteria.
The grants will be administered through two local agencies, the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, and Leaders Advancing and Helping Communities, who will administer the program and provide payments to landlords, mortgage holders and utility companies. Those eligible for the program will not receive payments directly.
Beginning Monday, applications can be made through lahc.org/cares or accesscommunity.org/emergencyservices. Applications will be accepted and processed until funds are no longer available. Residents should only apply through one agency, not both.
Mayor John O’Reilly Jr. said the city is committed to helping residents who are struggling by allocating the federal funds, which he said can serves as a lifeline for those in need.
“We know residents have lost their jobs or are making less in wages due to the pandemic,” he said. “The pandemic has taken and heavy toll. We cannot allow it to take people’s homes.”
The monthly cost for a rent or mortgage payment, plus utilities, per month, times six, will be paid for eligible applicants, up to $5,000, for the time period before or after the application.
Income eligibility is determined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development income guidelines.
For more information, go to the city’s website, at cityofdearborn.org.