Lorain County eviction and rehousing assistance.
Tenants in Lorain County that are facing an eviction can not only apply for federal government grants from the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program, but there is also a Rental Education Seminar offered that provides budgeting, legal aid and more. The goal of the eviction prevention and rehousing programs for the homeless are to support needy families in the region.
There is not only assistance for struggling tenants, but the currently homeless in Lorain County Ohio can receive help as well. The federal grants may not only help pay rental arrears for the currently housed, but the homeless may also be provided shelters or free motel vouchers as well. HPRP is wide ranging in the total services it provides in the community.
Agencies that participate in Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing
There are several non-profits that are involved in administering this aid. Each has their own application process in place and provides their own form of support. Some may offer advice and representation in housing court such as the Legal Aid Society in Elyria. (Dial (440) 324-1121). Other organizations, including The United Way helpline (which has referrals only at (800) 275-6106) as well as Gathering Hope House (dial (440) 233-7400) may offer cash grants for bills or paying housing needs.
HPRP, which is federally funded, disburses grants to these agencies and others each year. The money is paid out first come and served to those that qualify. The applicant will need to have proof of income, residency, and show they can work through their crisis. So in order to get eviction help, the tenants needs to quickly stabilize their situation. However they can get assistance in doing this from the sessions set up at the Rental Education Seminar or even credit counseling agencies in Lorain County.
Types of help and advice in Lorain County
Government grants can pay for various eviction prevention as well as rehousing costs in the county as well as city of Elyria. Examples of what can be paid for is as follows.
Utility bills paid are made directly to third party providers. The agencies, such as community action, will provide grants to Ohio based water or electric companies as well as assist with heating costs during the winter. These bills are paid if it will stop the eviction from taking place.
Costs involved in renting a home or apartment can also be paid by the Lorain County HPRP - Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program. These will be typical costs that are paid by tenants to their landlord or apartment community. HPRP can cover back rent up to a certain dollar amount as well as security deposits when a homeless person is moving into a new home. These payments will also be made directly to the landlord.
Tenants with housing issues that are not financial in nature can speak to a staff member from Legal Aid Society. The firm can handle civil legal matters, such as housing discrimination, unfair rent increases, and illegal evictions. Much of there advice is given right from their office, but there may be some situations in which the lawyer can attend the Lorain County housing court with the client. The eviction defense may be free to the low income or senior citizens.
Rental Education Seminar helps give people the skills, support, and case management services that they may need. Any family from the area can enroll, no matter their income, age, or race. The seminars cover different topics. There is credit repair given as well as information on tenant laws in Ohio. Some sessions also help low income families or the working poor get a new or better job with a higher income. This is the best solution to stopping homeless over the long term.
The Lorain County Department of Job and Family Services can provide cash assistance and help arrange emergency shelter for the homeless. These are state wide services that use the government grants to stop homelessness, and uses of funds may be for shelter, motel or hotel rooms, and more. They also arrange other long term support services for people that have been evicted.
When it comes to emergency eviction help, the applicant's total income needs to be at or less than 50% of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Lorain County Median Income Guidelines. The main resources and numbers to call for homeless prevention are above, and they include both legal help and grant based aid.
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