Avelar Highlights Emergency Housing Assistance for Renters Affected by COVID-19

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – To address ongoing concerns of housing instability during the COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, recently co-sponsored legislation to provide emergency rental assistance for residents of Illinois.

“COVID-19 has affected people far beyond just health emergencies,” said Avelar. “The current pandemic has left many individuals jobless or with limited income and struggling to pay their bills, which has created housing insecurities for many families throughout Illinois.”

Avelar co-sponsored House Bill 2877, which creates the Illinois Rental Payment Program (ILRPP) to help renters and housing providers pay for up to 15 months of rent. Each eligible applicant can receive up to $25,000 through the program. ILRPP funding can cover 12 months of past missed rent payments and three months of future rent payments. Funds do not have to be repaid and there is no cost to apply or receive assistance through the program. To be eligible for ILRPP funding, a household must be at least 30 days behind on their rent, have experienced financial hardship related to the pandemic, be at risk of housing instability or homelessness, and have a gross income that is not greater than 80 percent of their community’s median income.

To apply for ILRPP funding, tenants or landlords can submit an application. Once approved, ILRPP will provide a check directly to the housing provider listed on the application. To apply or find more information, visit www.ihda.org/about-ihda/illinois-rental-payment-program/.

“This rental assistance program is just one step in ensuring that all residents of Illinois have a place to call home,” said Avelar. “I will continue to fight for equitable housing by providing necessary protections and resources to renters and homeowners.”