Ramírez fought to create an Emergency Housing Relief Program and now hosts Virtual Housing Assistance Fair in Advance of Grant Application Openings

CHICAGO, Ill. – With the steadfast work of housing advocates and state legislators this past legislative session, The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) effective now will aid homeowners and renters who have lost income due to COVID-19 will soon be open for applications, State Rep. Delia Ramírez, D-Chicago, announced Tuesday morning. Ramírez’s office will be hosting a series of Facebook Live events to help residents determine their eligibility and complete the application process.

“The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant hardship to people living paycheck to paycheck and at risk of homelessness. One-third of Illinoisans are unable to pay rent in August. Tenants and homeowners need emergency housing relief now.  Therefore, this fund will provide relief for both tenants and homeowners who are most in need and unable to pay their rent or mortgage,” Ramírez said.

“With record unemployment rates and an uncertain end to the pandemic, an increasing number of Illinoisans, particularly in communities of color, will face eviction. This housing relief fund will help tens of thousands of families prevent eviction or foreclosure. To help residents access this relief, my office will be offering a free virtual housing fair that will review these new grants and how people can both apply for and receive housing assistance.”

The recently passed federal CARES Act enabled Illinois legislators to create new programs to assist people in all areas of need. One of these programs, the Emergency Rental Assistance program, will offer renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic $5,000 in assistance for past and future rent payments. Applications will run from Aug. 10 until Aug. 21. Another program, the Emergency Mortgage Assistance program, will offer homeowners up to $15,000 in mortgage assistance. Applications will run from Aug. 24 until Sept. 4. Restrictions may apply.

Rep. Ramírez’s virtual housing fair will be open to the public via Facebook Live (https://www.facebook.com/repdeliaramirez/live) on Aug. 11, 12, and 13 at 7:00 p.m. Information on eligibility requirements as well as how to apply will be discussed.

“Both the rental and mortgage assistance programs will help provide relief to those severely affected by these unprecedented times. However, we know the need is greater than the amount available and we will continue to advocate for additional CARES ACT dollars to go directly to housing relief,” said Ramírez. “I will continue to work toward making sure people have access to both fair and affordable housing.”

For more information about either program, please visit https://www.ihda.org/about-ihda/covid-19-housing-resources-information/.