The city’s COVID Rental Assistance Program, on hiatus as funding had to be approved through proper channels, is back in business.

Emergency rental and utility assistance is offered to qualified tenants financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and after an initial launch that was delayed is again being offered.

The second phase of ERAP, funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury, launched Dec. 13. The first phase of the program began in March.

“We’re thrilled to be able to open round two of the ERAP just before Christmas,” said Scott Erwin, the community development manager for Huntsville. “We know many citizens are still struggling to get back on their feet and encourage those who are behind on or unable to make payments to apply to the program.”

Erwin said the best way for those eligible to apply for assistance is by the internet. However, residents without access to the internet can dial 2-1-1 and receive instructions on how to apply.

“The agency will walk them through it,’’ he said.

Erwin added that anyone without internet access but who has friends or family members who do should ask them to help with the application. If not, the 2-1-1 call offers a helpline and the city is planning to hold a session Dec. 22 at the public library to assist with applications.

“The plan is to do one outreach a week,’’ Erwin said. “Whether it’s by phone or in person or from a friend or family we’d like to get their information for review.’’

According to the city, funds are available to help tenants pay current, past-due and up to three months of future rent, utility and home energy costs. The goal of the program is to prevent housing instability, avoid evictions and offer financial relief to at-risk tenants and landlords.

An amount of $4.7 million in emergency assistance was unanimously approved by the city council for the second round of program funding in mid-November.

On it’s website, the City of Huntsville advised that program guidelines for round two have changed. To qualify, households must have an income at or below 50 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Also, one or more household members must also have qualified for unemployment benefits or can attest in writing they had a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardships due to COVID-19.

Additionally, households must demonstrate they are at risk of homelessness, housing instability or live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions to qualify. The program is only open to those whose rental property is their primary residence in Huntsville.

Designated community partners will review and commit funds to applicants who meet one of the priority groups below:

Have incomes below 50 percent AMI.
Households where one or more household members are unemployed as of the date applied for assistance and one or more household members (this can be the same household member) were unemployed for 90 days prior to the date you applied for assistance.
Applicant is in the eviction process.

Those who have already received ERAP funds are not eligible for additional funding under the new guidelines.

To apply, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/COVID-19-Emergency-Rental-Assistance to get started or dial the 2-1-1 helpline.

Both tenants and landlords may apply, but the same documentation proving COVID-19-related hardship suffered by the tenant will be required. Unpaid rent or utility bills cannot precede March 13, 2020.

For more information, visit the city’s website or email covidhelp@huntsvilleal.gov for assistance.