Buckner Draws Attention to Rental Assistance Grants

CHICAGO – With the application period now open, State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, is highlighting the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

“Thousands of families are at risk of eviction because of economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and we must prevent an eviction crisis from worsening the coronavirus crisis,” Buckner said. “That’s why it is critical that tenants know that rental assistance grants are available to help keep them in their homes.”

Tenants unable to pay their rent due to a COVID-19 related loss of income are eligible to receive a one-time grant of up to $5,000. The grant will be paid to their landlord to cover missed payments from March until December, or until the amount of the grant runs out.

Rental assistance grant applications are scheduled to be open until Aug. 21, but high volume may result in the application window closing early. Applications are only available online through era.ihda.org. Community assistance organizations are available to help families without internet access. Tenants in need of application assistance can find local assistance by calling the IHDA hotline at 888-252-1119 or 312-883-2720.

“Having stable and affordable housing for families is critical to ensuring that we have a fair economic recovery from the pandemic,” Buckner said. “I encourage tenants in need of rental assistance to apply as soon as possible for a rental assistance grant.”