FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JULY 14, 2021

PASSAIC COUNTY’S RENTAL RELIEF PROGRAM RELEASES FIRST $2.1 MILLION

(Passaic County, New Jersey) – This week Passaic County is releasing nearly $2.1 million dollars to help keep 395 families in their homes. The sum is the first stage of a federally-funded rental assistance program that will provide housing stability for families impacted by COVID19-related job losses, and help landlords who have been waiting a year or more to receive tenants’ back rent.

“As we emerge from the COVID19 public health crisis, we need to be sure it doesn’t turn into a post-COVID housing crisis,” said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett. “Thanks to the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan, we’ve got $35 million to help keep families in their homes – and to support residential landlords, who play a vital role in our local economy.”

Earlier this year, Passaic County launched the Impact Passaic Housing Security Initiative and Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). County residents who have been struggling to pay their rent or may be facing eviction due to the coronavirus pandemic can apply for help with rent arrears as far back as March 2020, and can be protected from eviction for several more months while they get back on their feet. The rental assistance and other help is available to low and moderate-income households that suffered a substantial reduction in income due to the pandemic.

So far, nearly a thousand tenants and 550 landlords have started the online application at www.impactpassaic.com. The funds released this week represent 395 applications, completed by both tenants and landlords, where tenants met the criteria for assistance. Landlords will receive the payments via direct deposit.

“Both tenants and landlords can start the application process online, and receive information and assistance in many languages by calling 862-657-5797,” explained County Commissioner Sandi Lazzara, who helped develop the Impact Passaic as a one-stop outreach location for county residents to research and apply for available services. “In addition to rental relief from March 2020 until today, eligible tenants can also receive ‘wrap around’ services including job placement, education, and help paying for utilities.”

With the federal moratorium on evictions ending this month, and the State of New Jersey’s moratorium set to expire on December 31, 2021, it is important for landlords and tenants to apply for assistance while funds are available. The county will be running a series of information sessions this week on Facebook Live, including with a live Q&A about the program. The full schedule can be found on Passaic County’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/passaiccountynj.

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