One of the signs that the covid pandemic continues to subside is that a temporary state program is soon ending.

The Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program is closing off any new applications or renewing previously approved applications on August 30th. The program stemmed from the covid pandemic that provided protection for individuals and families from being evicted. Greene County Coordinator with New Opportunities Teresa Lansman says the process was entirely done online and she talks about her experiences with those who took advantage of the program.

“I know I at least helped probably a dozen families going through the program. They could get up to 12 months of rental assistance, which several of them got 4-5 months and then they didn’t come back. And just recently they came back and got three other months because things were getting so hard for them and that was a little spot that we could help.”

With the increasing food and gas prices and inflation being at record highs, Lansman notes there are few assistance programs available once the Iowa Finance Authority shuts down the Iowa Rent and Utility Assistance Program.

“Our rents around here is $600 or more a month. The little help we have isn’t going to be even half of that to help these families.”

Lansman adds there are some programs that can help on an ongoing basis with Region XII Council of Governments. Contact Lansman for more information about other resources at 515-386-2719.