Middlesex County receives $25M federal funding to provide emergency rental and utility assistance to residents during pandemic

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will help County residents struggling financially due to pandemic

MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ – Middlesex County has been awarded $25 million in federal funds to provide rental and utility assistance to County residents who are struggling financially due to the pandemic. The grant is part of the federal government’s 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which was enacted in late December 2020 with funds awarded to Middlesex County on January 25, 2021. The County is working quickly to officially launch the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program and will begin accepting applications in spring 2021.

Funds from the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program may be used to pay overdue rental and utility bills, as well as to provide limited temporary ongoing assistance. Eligible applicants include renter households in which one or more individuals:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19
• Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, mainly documented by having an outstanding rental balance and/or eviction filing
• Has a household income at or below 80 percent of the area median

“We’re grateful to have been awarded these critical funds to help County residents who are struggling to pay their rent and utilities during this economic crisis,” said County Commissioner Director, Ronald G. Rios. “So many people have lost their jobs or suffered a significant loss of income due to the pandemic. The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will enable us to provide financial assistance to families and individuals who are at risk of losing the roof over their head. The County is working as quickly as possible to bring this crucial program to our community.”

The federal government opened the grant program to counties and cities with populations of more than 200,000. Middlesex County moved swiftly to apply for the funding as soon as it became available.

“We’ve been committed to helping our residents throughout the COVID-19 crisis,” said County Commissioner Claribel A. Azcona-Barber. “As soon as we were made aware of this federal program, the County didn’t hesitate to apply. Garnering this much-needed funding offers hope for our hardest hit residents. Relief is on the way.”

Additional information on the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program can be found on the Middlesex County website at http://www.middlesexcountynj.gov/rentalassistance. As detailed income eligibility guidelines, the application process and deadlines become available, individuals seeking assistance are encouraged to visit this webpage for updates. More announcements will be planned to ensure residents are informed regarding this program.

ABOUT MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ

Middlesex County is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies, three universities, 18 park systems, and world-class healthcare and research facilities making it one of the nation’s most dynamic regions and a leader in technology, transportation, the arts, and food innovation. As one of the most diverse populations in the country, Middlesex County is home to over 832,000 residents living throughout 25 municipalities and employing nearly 40,000 people. Ranked #1 in the state for best schools, the County offers an award-winning vocational school system, a county college, and workforce development creating a unique ecosystem in which opportunities abound. Conveniently located between New York and Philadelphia, Middlesex County is a leading destination for businesses and residents alike to live, work, and play – and has been since the 17th century. For more information, visit middlesexcountynj.gov and find us on Facebook and Instagram.