Iowans that have been economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and are facing housing hardships can apply for a program facilitated by the Iowa Finance Authority.

The COVID-19 Iowa Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program uses funds allocated by the state from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security, or CARES Act to provide short-term relief to income-eligible renters and homeowners at the risk of eviction or foreclosure.

Guthrie County New Opportunities Family Development Center Coordinator Rhonda Huggins says those in need of assistance must apply online, “There are requirements on there that you have to meet. You have to actually be out of work due to COVID, so they give you a timeline there, ‘Did you lose your job between this date and this date?’ And then they ask you some more questions. It is then reviewed and they will either accept it or deny it.”

The program can provide rental and mortgage payment assistance for up to four months for those who have had a documented COVID-19-related loss of income on or after March 17th. Information on the program and other assistance for those affected by COVID-19 can be found here.