The Mississippi Rental Assistance Grant Program, created by the state Legislature, covers rent going back to March for tenants who have been unable to pay because they lost their job or have reduced income due to the pandemic. Renters cannot apply directly but should contact their landlord about applying on their behalf. Landlords are eligible to apply for up to $30,000 and must credit funds to their tenants' past due rents.
Jennifer Welch with Belhaven Residential in Jackson says the grant will offer relief to a number of her tenants on the brink of eviction.
"I do intend to file for that grant for about three to five residents who on the books have not done well with paying a very large balance and who I think the balance could be satisfied with this grant," said Welch.
"But, it does not take care of the future. What does the future hold for housing?"
According to the Mississippi Apartment Association, there are more than 900,000 renters in the state. John Sullivan, President of the Mississippi Association of Affordable Housing Providers, says a third of those renters could be evicted by the end of 2020.
"One of the crucial things we need to make sure is that people can stay in their homes and that's not just a safety concern that's a health and economic concern as well," said Sullivan.
Sullivan says the grant funds are first come first serve. The deadline to apply for this grant is Nov. 15.
