To help landlords and tenants facing pandemic-related financial problems, refer to this resource sheet created by Upper Valley Strong, a coalition made up of over 35 non-profit organizations, agencies and town representatives who come together during times of crisis, such as COVID-19. Further information about promoting safe practices in your housing community can be found on the Upper Valley Strong website.
New Hampshire:
Funding from the CARES Act will be available to NH residents for rental assistance. The five Community Action Program (CAP) agencies in NH will be administering the funds. There are 2 types of assistance:
- A one-time grant (up to $2,500) for past due rent (from April 2020) or other housing-related expenses as a result of lost household revenue or increased household expenses (must be related to COVID-19). This grant program is targeted to those households who will be able to maintain their housing without assistance after the one-time assistance payment.
- Short-term rental assistance for those who are looking to maintain or secure permanent housing (includes first month’s rent and ongoing short-term rental assistance).
What You Should Know:
- Both the one-time grants and the short-term rental assistance will be coupled with regional case management services to help connect households to appropriate services as defined by the household and the agency.
- There are no income guidelines, but the loss of income or additional expense must be COVID-related.
- An Eviction Notice is not required, but a Demand for Rent or ledger is necessary.
- You do not need to have met with your city/town welfare first in order to get access to funding.
- Program payments will be made directly to the landlord or provider.
- The program will end by December 30, 2020.
How to Apply:
- Online at the TCCAP interest form website.
- Applications will be online, but paper copies can be requested
- If you need help applying, you can contact:
- LISTEN Community Services, 603-448-4553, reception@listencs.org
- Lebanon Human Services, 603-448-2944
If the amount of arrears cannot be cured by rental assistance from the CARES Act, tenants can apply for additional rental assistance from City/Town Welfare.
Vermont:
Rental Housing Stabilization Fund:
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- The VT State Housing Authority’s Rental Stabilization Program (for LANDLORDS and TENANTS to pay up to 6 months’ rental arrearages, including mobile home lot rent) application will open up on MONDAY, July 13: https://www.vsha.org/rental-housing-stabilization-program/
- VT Legal Aid has also been granted funds to support TENANTS navigate these resources and the VT Landlords Association will assist LANDLORDS.
Mortgage Assistance Program:
- The VT Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) for HOMEOWNERS for mortgage assistance – applications will open July 13 through August 31 and will pay up to 3 mortgage payments per household for VT primary homeowners who’ve had closings before March 1 and who are income-eligible: https://www.vhfa.org/map
Re-Housing Recovery Fund:
Emergency housing rehabilitation grants and forgivable loans to make up to 250 units of housing available to re-house homeless families experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak.
AREA OF NEED:
- Homeless Families/Substandard Existing Rental
- Housing Stock Grant and forgivable loans disbursed by housing service provider(s) selected by RFP process with oversight authority through Vermont Department of Housing and Community Development.
How to Apply:
For up more information about how to apply for funds through the state of Vermont, please visit the Vermont Economic Recovery and Relief Package Website.
Additional Resource in VT:
Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA): SEVCA provides a wide variety of services to individuals and families in Windham and Windsor Counties, including utility and housing assistance; help accessing State and local support networks like 3SquaresVT, supplemental fuel assistance, medical insurance, unemployment benefits, etc.; financial literacy courses; small business development; tax assistance; weatherization services; Head Start; advocacy, information, and referrals; and thrift stores. SEVCA is also available to help people affected by COVID-19 find, explore, and access options for recovery and stabilization. Visit the SEVCA Website for more details.