$3.5M Still Available For Camden County Renters In Need

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — There is still more than $3.5 million available in Camden County’s new program aimed at supporting renters at risk of losing their homes or facing an eviction threat amid the pandemic, officials said on Wednesday.

That’s 75 percent of the money that was allocated for the Camden County Rental Assistance Program, in which the county makes up to six months of back rent (April through September) available to residents who may be facing eviction, up to $4,000, officials said.

While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords. The program opened two weeks ago. Read more here: Applications Open For Camden County Program Targeting Eviction

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“We want to get this money into the hands of as many renters as possible to supplement any lost payments from COVID,” Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. “Currently, there is a state and federal moratorium on evictions, but when they expire landlords will still be demanding past payments. We do not want to see a housing crisis come to fruition on the day these emergency policies expire.”

So far, the county has helped 147 residents and families with assistance allocating more than $450,000, Cappelli said.

“We know there are more people in need of this money, and we need to get the word out to them that it’s available,” Cappelli said.

To qualify for Rental Assistance Program, tenants must meet the following eligibility and rules:

• Tenants cannot earn more than 50 percent of Average Area Median Income (AMI);
• Applicants will be required to provide proof of loss/reduction in employment or income;
• No duplication of funds will be permitted — apartments/landlords which are funded under the state's tenant assistance program or Section 8 are not eligible;
• Landlords must agree to waive late fees and penalties accrued from April 2020 to September 2020; and
• Lease must have begun before March 1, 2020.

The following income limits are in effect:

• 1-person, $33,850
• 2-person, $38,650
• 3-person, $43,500
• 4-person, $48,300
• 5-person, $52,200
• 6-person, $56,050

Applications for the program will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.

To apply, visit www.CamdenRentGrant.com. For more information about the program, call 833-487-0462.