Don’t wait for the eviction moratorium period to end. Take action now to prevent eviction! When the moratorium ends all past-due rents will become due immediately and many people will be facing eviction. COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is funding available throughout Michigan to assist renters with past-due rent caused directly, or indirectly, by the COVID pandemic.
CERA is a federally funded program of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) available to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent. Both tenants and landlords may apply for CERA funds.
In addition to rental assistance, funds are also available to assist with overdue utilities and provide a stipend for home internet costs.
Rental Assistance Event at Disability Network – Kalamazoo
Disability Network has partnered with Housing Resources, Inc. (HRI) to host a Rental Assistance event at our Kalamazoo office. HRI is the designated agency in Kalamazoo County handling CERA funding.
The event is being held on Monday, August 23, 2021. HRI staff will be available 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Community Building at our Kalamazoo office to answer questions and assist people with their applications. No registration is needed. You can expect the process will take about 15 to 20 minutes.
If you have the following documentation, bring that with you:
- Photo ID
- Current Income
- Landlord Contact Information
- Current Utility Bills
If you have questions about this event, email CERA@HousingResourcesInc.org or call (269) 382-0287.
Eligibility:
CERA serves renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:
- Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
- Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.
To Apply:
MSHDA is working with designated non-profit agencies in each county to administer the application process. Visit www.Michigan.gov/CERA to apply online or contact the agency in your area that is administering the program. Follow this link to find a list of agencies by county.
If you are a person with a disability, Disability Network Southwest Michigan’s Information & Referral staff can assist you with completing the online application. Email: info@dnswm.org or phone: 269-345-1516, or toll free 1-877-674-5209.
More details:
Find complete information about the CERA program, including required documentation, at www.Michigan.gov/CERA.