North Dakota’s Rent Assistance Program Reaches Landmark, Shifts Operational Approach
The temporary Pandemic emergency rent and utility assistance program, ND Rent Help, has reached a significant turning point. Originally conceived as a response to the financial stress caused by the pandemic, this program has now reached its initial goal a full year ahead of schedule.
ND Rent Help has provided invaluable assistance to over 17,500 households, ensuring their access to rental assistance in challenging times. The program’s success has now prompted a shift in focus toward supporting those with immediate housing needs.
Initially launched with federal funding, ND Rent Help has aimed at ensuring housing stability and offering financial support for rent and utility bills. This vital work has touched the lives of people across 52 counties within the state. However, now that the rental and utility assistance phase has reached its conclusion, the program is shifting its attention primarily to maintaining housing stability.
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Jessica Thomasson, the executive director of the Human Services Division of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, gave some insight into the program’s journey. “We initially projected a timeline to fully utilize the available funds. However, we’ve seen an overwhelming and consistent demand for the program, with almost 3,000 applications coming in each month. This heavy demand led us to exhaust the funding for rent and utility assistance ahead of our projected timeline,” she explained.
Despite the success of the program, Thomasson emphasized that the assistance is geared toward specific populations – namely those who are currently homeless or are facing an imminent threat of homelessness. These could include individuals facing eviction or those living with friends or family due to loss of their own housing – a state described as being ‘doubled up’.
According to the latest data from the ND Rent Help dashboard as of Thursday, May 11, the program has distributed over $117,000,000 in total aid. This tremendous accomplishment embodies the commitment to make a real difference in the lives of North Dakota residents.
Thomasson added, “Our aim is to ensure that resources are available to help people find suitable accommodation and regain their footing. Housing providers across the state, including landlords, play an essential role in this process. We are committed to making this work beneficial for everyone involved – the households, the providers, and the wider community.”
In addition to ND Rent Help, there’s also the Homeowner Assistance Fund, a federal government-backed program. This fund is designed to support homeowners at risk of foreclosure or those in need of assistance with housing costs, providing an additional layer of support in these unprecedented times.
