Thousands Of Area Families Benefit From Rental Assistance Program

Officials say thousands of Marion County residents benefitted from the city’s rental assistance program in the last year.

The Indianapolis Rental Assistance Program launched last July with the help of dozens of community organizations. It provides up to three months of assistance for low income households at risk of housing instability due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Mayor of Community Development, Jeff Bennett said the city recently re-opened the program for residents who have been struggling to pay rent due as the pandemic lingers.

“You know it provided a vital source for families experiencing job loss, or reduced hours or may have suffered from COVID-19 itself,” Bennett said.

Demand was so high during the program’s launch that the city put residents on a waiting list. However, tenants can now fill out applications in real time.

Households at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI) that have experienced a reduction in earned income and are at risk of housing instability are eligible to apply for rental assistance.

READ MORE: Indianapolis Rental Assistance Program Frequently Asked Questions

The program has received federal funding from three separate sources, including --  the CARES Act, the second COVID-19 relief bill and the American Rescue Plan Act.

“Tens of thousands of Indianapolis families have benefited from this critical program,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said. “From the beginning of our COVID-19 response, it has been one of our most important tools to combat housing insecurity and economic instability. ”

Hogsett said the city is looking at additional ways to extend the reach of this resource.

John Boner Neighborhood Centers has served as the program administrator. Financial support for program administration was provided by Lilly Endowment Inc.