Help is available for Illinois residents who are behind on their rent due to the pandemic. The Illinois Housing Development Authority will provide up to 25,000 dollars in emergency assistance.
Brian Hollenback, President and CEO of the Economic Growth Corporation in Rock Island, says landlords have to start the application process and be willing to waive any late charges owed by their tenants.
"However I would suggest that anyone, whether it's tenant or landlord, that they reach out to our office for guidance. We have counselors on staff waiting to take the calls and we just want to make sure that if anyone is struggling that they reach out to our office so that we're able to assist them."
Applications are due by June 6th, and eligible households may receive up to 15 months of rental assistance.
Hollenback says a similar Illinois program last summer helped nearly 300 renters in this area, and about 150 people who were behind on their mortgages.
Money for the program, 550 million dollars, comes from the federal COVID relief bill. (applications can be submitted to ilrpp.ihda.org)
