$2.1 Million Heading To Passaic County Renters, Landlords

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — The county released almost $2.1 million this week during the first stage of a federally funded rental assistance program which hopes to keep families in their homes, and help landlords who missed out on rent payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money released this week will keep 395 families in their homes, providing housing stability for families impacted by COVID19-related job losses.

"As we emerge from the COVID-19 public health crisis, we need to be sure it doesn’t turn into a post-COVID housing crisis," said Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett.

"Thanks to the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan, we’ve got $35 million to help keep families in their homes – and to support residential landlords, who play a vital role in our local economy."

Earlier this year, Passaic County launched the Impact Passaic Housing Security Initiative and Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

County residents who have been struggling to pay their rent, or may be facing eviction due to the coronavirus pandemic, can apply for help with rent arrears as far back as March 2020.

The rental assistance and other help is available to low and moderate-income households that suffered a substantial reduction in income due to the pandemic, county officials said.

So far, nearly a thousand tenants and 550 landlords have started the online application.

The funds released this week represent 395 applications, completed by both tenants and landlords, where tenants met the criteria for assistance. Landlords will receive the payments via direct deposit.

“Both tenants and landlords can start the application process online, and receive information and assistance in many languages by calling 862-657-5797,” said County Commissioner Sandi Lazzara, who helped develop Impact Passaic.

“In addition to rental relief from March 2020 until today, eligible tenants can also receive ‘wrap around’ services including job placement, education, and help paying for utilities.”

The county will be running a series of information sessions this week on Facebook Live, including a live Q&A about the program. The full schedule can be found on Passaic County’s Facebook page.

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