Here’s how to apply for mortgage or rent relief from coronavirus economic losses
Whatcom County renters and homeowners who have suffered job losses and other financial effects from the economic crisis caused by the new coronavirus pandemic can apply for help now.
Households with incomes of 50% to 80% of the area’s median income may be eligible for CARES Housing Assistance funding, which will be available until the end of the year, or until the money is gone.
About 200 households earn between 50% and 80% of the area median income, according to a statement from the Whatcom County Health Department on Wednesday, Aug. 5.
Median income of 50% is $2,492 a month for one person or $3,554 for a family of four, and median income of 80% is $3,983 a month for one person or $5,688 for a family of four.
About $700,000 of federal CARES is available for local residents who lost income due to COVID-19 and are behind on rent or mortgage payments.
Eligible households must have experienced income loss due to COVID-19, lack resources to pay their rent or mortgage, hold the lease or mortgage contract for their home, and not be receiving other funding intended for the same purpose, according to the Health Department.
Those who think they qualify should call the Opportunity Council at 360-734-5121, extension 316; LAW Advocates at 360-671-6079, extension 15; or the Salvation Army at 360-733-1410 to verify eligibility and file an application.
More CARES funds
A second Whatcom County program is receiving almost $2.7 million in federal CARES act funding earmarked for rent assistance to those who earned less than 50% of the area median income over the previous two months.
Funding through the Eviction Rent Assistance Program will start soon and will be available until the end of the year or until the money is gone.
To apply, contact the Opportunity Council at 360-734-5121, extension 316.
The money can cover up to three months of past owed, current or future rent through December 2020, and will be paid directly to landlords.
Grant application
Whatcom County will apply for a grant to provide about $500,000 additional housing assistance through the CARES Act and the Community Development Block Grant program.
County Executive Satpal Sidhu told the council during a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 5, that the county and its six smaller cities would work together to distribute the funds if the grant is approved.
