Bronx Rental Assistance Network can help Bronxites in arrears

The Bronx Rental Assistance Network (BxRAN), a consortium of seven community organizations with deep ties to the Bronx and strong records of community service, is available to help Bronx residents in arrears due to COVID-19 to apply for Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds.

Thanks to a $5.2 million grant from the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA), the BxRAN consortium is well-positioned to help local residents financially impacted by COVID-19 apply for assistance through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

This federally funded program, established to help renters financially impacted by COVID-19 remain in their homes and avoid eviction, includes $644.5 million dollars to help impacted New York City residents.

“Even before the pandemic, the Bronx consistently recorded the highest rates of unemployment and housing insecurity in the city, and COVID-19 greatly exacerbated these concerns for many in our borough,” said BronxWorks Executive Director Eileen Torres, the organization leading the consortium. “Stable housing is key to living a healthy and productive life. BronxWorks is grateful to be working with the BxRAN consortium to prevent evictions and homelessness among Bronxites impacted by the fallout of the pandemic.”

As a result of the grant, BxRAN is helping Bronx residents to complete applications by ensuring appropriate documents are provided and uploaded, offering consulting support for existing applications, as well as in-person or virtual outreach support.
To be eligible for ERAP, criteria include:

• Living in rental housing
• Having an income below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
• Having experienced loss of income or increased costs due to COVID-19
• Owing rental arrears beginning in March 2020 or later
• Citizenship is not required for eligibility

Eligible applicants can receive ERAP financial assistance for:

• Up to 12 months of rental arrears payments for rents accrued on or after March 13, 2020.
• Up to 3 months of additional rental assistance if the household is expected to spend 30 percent or more of their gross monthly income to pay for rent.
• Up to 12 months of electric or gas utility arrears payments for arrears that have accrued on or after March 13, 2020.

An applicant cannot be evicted while their ERAP application is under review, and if a landlord chooses not to accept ERAP funds as payment of rental arrears, that can be used as a defense in current or future eviction proceedings.
For more information about the program or how BxRAN can help Bronx residents, visit bxran.org or call 844-380-9169.

About BxRAN
The Bronx Rental Assistance Network is comprised of seven partners, with BronxWorks as the principal contractor with HRA. The other partners include University Behavioral Associates/Montefiore, Bronx Legal Services, HELP USA, WHEDco, Mosholu Montefiore Community Center, and Fedcap, Inc. All of these organizations have deep ties to the Bronx and strong records of assisting Bronx residents with urgent needs. Of the twelve groups contracted by the city, BxRAN received the largest share of funds to provide assistance with ERAP funding.

About BronxWorks
With over 40 locations throughout the borough, BronxWorks has worked from the ground up in Bronx communities for over 49 years to help residents build healthy, stable futures for themselves and their neighborhoods. BronxWorks helps individuals and families improve their economic and social well-being. From toddlers to seniors, we feed, shelter, teach, and support our neighbors to build a stronger community. For more information about BronxWorks, visit www.bronxworks.org