A new statewide rental assistance program now is available to residents across the Illinois Quad Cities region.
The Illinois Rental Payment Program 2.0 is accepting applications from tenants and housing providers/landlords through Jan. 9. The program is through the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).
Economic Growth Corp. (GROWTH) is partnering with IHDA to assist applicants. The Rock Island-based group is available by appointment to help guide applicants through the process. To make an appointment, call GROWTH at 309-788-6311.
“We’ve already received a lot of inquiries from people who want to know about the program,” said Beth Payne, GROWTH vice president.
Ms. Payne estimated the organization had received about 75 calls and inquiries in the past few days from residents asking about rental assistance.
One of the main changes to the program is that people living in state- and federal-subsidized housing now are eligible to receive help through the program, she added.
GROWTH serves the Illinois counties of Rock Island, Mercer, Henry, Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle and Sangamon.
The rental program provides funding to help Illinois tenants who are unable to pay rent due to pandemic-related loss of income. Approved applicants will receive one-time grants of up to $25,000 paid directly to landlords on their behalf. If the landlord chooses not to participate in the program, tenants may receive payments directly.
In this application round, assistance will cover up to 18 months of emergency rental payments.
Among the tenant eligibility requirements are:
- The household lives in Illinois and rents their home as their primary residence.
- The household must have experienced financial hardship directly or indirectly due to the pandemic.
- Household income is below 80% of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size.
- The household must have an unpaid rent balance.
- All applicants must have an active and accessible email account before applying.
For more information on the program and to apply, visit illinoishousinghelp.org.
