From the Desk of Former Mayor Malinda Miles

It has been two years since I decided to remove myself from the political scene in Mount Rainier, MD, Prince George's County, and the State of Maryland. Holding the lofty position of Mayor was such a great honor, but as the years flew by, I realized that it was time to do something else -- get a life.! I did, and still continue to provide resources to the residents through The Front Porch Ministries (TFPM). Real people pass through The Front Porch Ministries weekly. LIFE is good.

Saturday, May 09, 2020

COVID-19 Renal Assistance Program and MORE!

Many of Mount Rainier residents are living in fear and quandary over their rent and their homes once the pandemic crisis is lifted.

There are no real solutions out there, I for one, truly believe that there will be a day of reckoning, and residents will feel the burnt of some of the decisions that have been made.

However, starting May 11, 2020, there will be some programs opened and made available to help with some of the rental crisis t in our community. Be prepared to go after the funding. Be ready to push to get help. Do not let anything get in your way of seeking the help you need to retain your housing. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL MONDAY, MAY 11, 2020, to get your documentation together.

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance

House shaped key in the door temporary, Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) available to help with rent and utility payments for tenants whose employment income has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. This assistance may help prevent arrears and late fees from accumulating and prevent evictions from occurring. Depending upon need, applicants may be eligible for a maximum of up to $1,800.00 per month for a maximum of up to 3 months of emergency rental assistance.

Eligibility

Renter households residing in Prince George’s County with household incomes at or below 80% of area median income, as published by HUD and adjusted for household size. Applicant must demonstrate that they are:

At-risk of losing their rental housing or utility shut-off due to a COVID-19 related financial crisis and lack the financial resources and support networks needed to remain in existing housing.

Have a current income at or below 80% of AMI, defined by HUD, as follows based on household size:

1-person household: less than $54,350

2-person household: less than $62,100

3-person household: less than $69,850

4-person household: less than $77,600

More than 4-person household refer to agency for additional screening.

How to Apply

Instructions will be available on Monday, May 11, 2020.

Once you submit your Intake Form, a representative will contact you to obtain your supporting documentation.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will last until all available funds are allocated.

Documentation & Payments

Applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation of hardship, including, but not limited to the following:

Verification of Income (i.e. W-2, pay-stubs and/or tax returns, bank statements)

Eviction notice or correspondence from landlord indicating the tenant is in arrears and amount owed

Unpaid utility bill or utility shut-off notice

Fully executed rental/lease agreement and rental addendums (front page and signature page)

Photo ID/identifications for all adult members of household (i.e. MD Driver’s License, MD Government ID, Current Passport, Visa, Employment ID)

Evidence of Loss of Income after March 5, 2020

Other documentation demonstrating lack of assets and savings

Payments will be made directly to the landlord or utility company.

The ERA Partner Agency will assess the applicant’s documentation to determine eligibility. If applicant is only seeking utility bill assistance, all the above documentation may not be needed.

OTHER PROGRAMS THAT MAY HELP YOU GET THROUGH THIS!

Rental Assistance Services

There is an array of rental assistance services offered to County residents through the Prince George's County Housing Authority. Participants for most of these programs must come off of the existing Housing Choice Voucher Wait List. The Housing Authority operates the Housing Choice Voucher Program (also referred to as Section 8). Currently, the waiting list for Section 8 is closed. Once the waiting list re-opens, it will be advertised in the local media, newspapers and libraries.

These programs include:

Housing Choice Voucher Program - Enables low-income families to rent an apartment, condominium, townhouse, or single-family unit in Prince George's County.

The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program (HCVHP) - Uses a voucher subsidy that once helped families pay rent to a landlord but can now help first-time homeowners to purchase their own home.

Family Unification Program - Is a partnership with the Prince George's County Department of Social Services who screens and refers families for housing assistance when the family is in danger of their children being placed in foster care.

The Moderate Rehabilitation Program - In exchange for low-interest loans, owners of multi-family housing sites agree to allocate a fixed number of units to families who qualify for rental assistance.

Rental Allowance Program - A state-funded housing program that provides fixed monthly rental assistance payments to eligible lower- income homeless persons and to households with critical emergency housing needs.

Veterans Assistance Program - Is a local housing initiative established to provide permanent housing to homeless veterans in Prince George's County.

To learn more about the above programs, visit the Housing Authority's website.

https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/993/Rental-Assistance-Services

Mayor Malinda Miles

As a long-time resident of Mount Rainier and a homeowner, it is important to me that municipal government be inclusive of all of its residents. It is equally important that information be communicated through all possible channel so that residents can get involved. It is also important for residents to volunteer and serve on committees, commissions, boards and task forces. I truly believe that municipal government is the government closes to the people, and as such should be easily accessible. This BLOG is another effort to reach out to the residents of Mount Rainier.