COVID-19 Related Housing Assistance Offered by Olmsted County

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News ) - Olmsted County has new assistance programs available to help with housing-related expenses.

The Olmsted County COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program and the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Programs will benefit both individuals and families. A news release says funding is available to assist people impacted by job loss, reduced work hours, illness, or other COVID-19 related circumstances. The assistance can be extended to cover past due rent payments, mortgage payments, homeowner association dues, contract for deed payments, homeowner insurance premiums, utility payments, or other housing-related expenses that were incurred after March 1st.

“We encourage any Olmsted County resident who has been impacted by the pandemic and unable to make housing-related payments to apply for both programs,” said Olmsted County Director of Family Support and Assistance Corrine Erickson. “Depending on the circumstances of the request, our eligibility specialists will help determine which program best meets the needs of the situation.”

Eligible individuals and families are encouraged to apply for both programs by filling out two different applications.

• Application for the Olmsted County COVID-19 Emergency Assistance Program
• Application for the COVID-19 Housing Assistance Program: Visit www.211unitedway.org or text “MNRENT” or “MNHOME” to 898-211. You may also call 211 (Toll free: 1-800-543-7709).

The news release notes anyone seeking the assistance needs to be an Olmsted County resident, meet income guidelines, and have a qualifying expense that is past due because of circumstances stemming from the pandemic.

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