Up to three months rent and up to $250. in utility assistance is now available for low income households that have lost their employment income as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic according to a press release issued by the city of Portland this morning. The funds are available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The program is designed to alleviate financial pressure on renter households and provide economic security to rental property owners.
The city of Portland has made $500,000 available for this program. It will provide up to $2,250. ($750 month for three months) for rent assistance and a maximum of $250. in utility assistance. Program guidelines and eligibility requirements are available in the city’s website.
Applications are available by contacting the city of Portland’s Housing and community Development Division at (207) 874-8698 ot via email at: rej@portlandmaine.gov. The application is available online from the city of Portland and is also available through Opportunity Alliance by contacting Val Fitzgerald at 207 – 552 – 5937 or val.fitzgerald@opportunityalliance.org.
Completed applications should be returned via email to: Val Fitzgerald at val.fitzgerald@opportunity alliance.org or by fax to: 207 874-1182 or by mail to: Valerie Fitzgerald, the Opportunity Alliance, 222 St. John Street, Suite 302-B, Portland, Maine 04102