Applications Open For Camden County Program Targeting Evictions

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Camden resident Vanessa Velez is a mother of four who has been out of work since May 29 due to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s the first time in her life she hasn’t been able to make her rent payments.

That’s why she was the first Camden County resident that applied to take part in Camden County’s new program aimed at supporting renters at risk of losing their homes or facing an eviction threat amid the pandemic.

The program launched Thursday morning, and Velez applied at 8 a.m., according to county officials. She received confirmation from the program soon thereafter in an email.

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“Dealing with the collateral damage from COVID has been a real struggle for me and my family and I can tell you this assistance will go a long way for us,” Velez said.

Through the Camden County Rental Assistance Program, the county will make up to six months of back rent (April through September) available to residents who may be facing eviction, up to $4,000, officials said. The program launched in Collingswood Thursday morning.

“This is exactly the kind of program that is needed for residents who have been inordinately impacted by COVID and cannot make their rental payments,” Collingswood Mayor Jim Maley said. “When eviction moratoriums expire later this year this program will be a lifeline for tenants who are struggling and won’t be exposed to legal proceedings.”

“This program will be another significant benefit to landlords and business owners who have gone months without rental payments,” Main Street Realty owner Patric Ciervo said. “We have been in a holding pattern since the start of the pandemic and this initiative is a win-win for the tenant and landlord.”

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 any questions about the program, call 833-487-0462.

"There has been a crisis quietly building in the halls of rental properties across New Jersey and throughout the United States," Camden County Freeholder Director Louis Cappelli Jr. said. "While evictions have been paused to protect renters from being left homeless during this crisis, families are watching what they owe grow without any idea of how they'll settle that debt before evictions resume. Using $4 million of funding made available by the federal CARES Act, the Freeholder Board is hoping to alleviate some of that concern for renters in our community. This won't be a panacea, but it will be a significant lifeline to hundreds of families."

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

"The CARES Act has delivered critical federal resources to local governments, and I applaud Camden County's innovation in creating this rental assistance program to help residents struggling to make payments," Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1) said. "This money will provide vital funding to renters who need our support during the ongoing public health crisis."