WAYNE COUNTY REMINDS COMMUNITY ABOUT THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (ERAP)

The Wayne County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is available to landlords and their renters within Wayne County who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, who are experiencing housing instability, and whose household income is at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). The applicant must be applying for a residence in Wayne County (excluding Detroit).

WHAT types of assistance are available:

Assistance is available for rent as well as for utilities. Utility assistance may include: electricity, home heating, water, and sewer. Internet stipends and relocation assistance are also available. There is an application for Tenants and Landlords

WHERE a renter or landlord can apply:

Renters and landlords can apply for assistance through our easy-to-use online application. If the application is approved, a notification will be made via email.

WHEN are applications being accepted:

Renters may apply via the tenant application starting September 27th, 2021. Landlord applications will also be made available at that time.

WHY the program was created:

Even as the American economy continues its recovery from the devastating impact of the pandemic, millions of Americans still face deep rental debt and fear the loss of basic housing security. COVID-19 exacerbated an affordable housing crisis that predated the pandemic and thus has deepened the economic disparities that threaten the strength of our nation. To alleviate this crisis, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent and utility bills.

Program Updates

Program officially launched Monday, September 27, 2021.

Prioritization of Applications:

-Households with income that does not exceed 50 percent of the area median income for the household

-Households where one or more individuals within the household are unemployed as of the date of the application for assistance and have not been employed for the 90-day period preceding such date

-Applicants falling into the categories above will be included in the priority review group, which will be reviewed first

-Once an application is put in the priority group, applications will be reviewed in the order that they were received

-Wayne County is NOT currently reviewing applications for individuals who have already received money through the State of Michigan's

CERA program

We have a comprehensive communications plan to market this program that includes engaging non-profit and faith-based partners, passing out flyers at events, partnering with other County departments such as the Treasurer's Office and the Health Department, partnering with the 42 out-county municipalities, utilizing social media, gaining earned media, as well as paid advertising, all of which will prioritize low-income communities in Wayne County.

We have in-person computer labs where people can fill out and submit applications:

Focus: HOPE (Regular business hours or by appointment)

759 Inkster Road Inkster, MI 48141

9151 Chalmers Detroit, MI 48213

-1400 Oakman Blvd Detroit, MI 48238

Downriver Christian Center Church - Main Campus

1069 Buckingham Ave

Lincoln Park, MI 48146

-Mon thru Fri., 5pm - 8pm

-Sat and Sun, 10am - 4pm

Downriver Christian Center Church - Hamtramck Site

12190 Conant St

Hamtramck, MI 48212

-Thursday thru Saturday, 10am - 2pm

We also have a call center up and running for questions and support. The phone number is (833) 742-1513.