The City of Des Moines is set to deliver over $6 million in rental assistance to eligible residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This is the largest amount of funding that the city has received in COVID relief," said Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie. "And hopefully alleviating some of the rental needs of our Des Moines and Polk County residents."
Des Moines is collaborating with the IMPACT Community Action Partnership in coordinating rental relief. Along with Polk County's rental assistance efforts, there is $14 million in assistance available for residents. Some of that money could be in the pockets of Des Moines residents very soon.
"I would say I think it would turn around within the week," Cownie said.
The Mayor added that IMPACT would have a more accurate timeline of when assistance would be delivered.
According to guidelines set by the U.S. Treasury Department's Emergency Rental Assistance program, renters eligible for relief are defined as:
- A household income at or below 80% of the area median income
- Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability
- Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19
You can find more information on the City of Des Moines website, or IMPACT's website.