City of Columbus Awarded Federal Money for Rental Assistance
The City of
Columbus today announced $26.8 million in federal funding designated for rent
and utility assistance. Recognizing that the lowest income households are at
the greatest risk for long-term housing instability, 60% of the funding will be
targeted to households at 50% AMI and below or $42,100 for a family of four.
The remaining 40% will be available to households at 80% AMI or $67,360 for a
family of four.
“We know the
importance of stable housing for families,” said Mayor Andrew J. Ginther. “This
funding will allow for more of neighbors to stay in their homes during this
unprecedented time.”
The City
will immediately distribute $10 million to IMPACT Community Action Agency for
the continuation of the HOPE Fund program. Additionally, Columbus will set
aside $3 million for CelebrateOne to help with housing for at-risk new and
expectant mothers. CelebrateOne will distribute the emergency rental assistance
funds to community partners who will provide rental and utility assistance to
families at high risk of infant mortality and maternal health complications.
Over the
coming weeks the city will work with trusted community partners to plan for
distribution of the remaining funds.
“Community
partnerships have been essential to getting rental assistance funding out to
Columbus families in critical need since last summer,” said Councilmember
Shayla Favor. “These additional dollars, along with our strong housing
stability network will go a significant way towards stabilizing even more
families and helping them avoid devastating evictions.”