THE Commonwealth Covid Emergency Rental Assistance or CCERA program is seeking additional funding, its coordinator Daniel Taitano said Tuesday.
“We have submitted revised forms for ERA 2 Tranche 3 for additional funding for acting Gov. David M. Apatang’s signature,” he added.
He said they are expecting to again receive $2,689,613.07 in funding. They received the same amount for ERA 2 Tranche 2, he added.
As for the funds from last year, they were “cleared” as of Jan. 26, benefiting 2,286 individuals, Taitano said.
Under the federally funded program, qualified individuals receive rental assistance up to 12 months. However, if they still have remaining funds, individuals who are considered below the poverty line are given an additional three months to “clear” their accounts.
Taitano said individuals not qualified for the extension have been given a notice three months in advance.
“We ask for the community’s patience as we work to assist all who are in need. Please be advised that the extensions are for existing clients of the program — CCERA will not be receiving any new applications,” he said.
The following is the breakdown for the previously allocated funds for rental assistance:
ERA 1 — $10,400.669.30
ERA 2 — 3,586,150.76
ERA 2 Tranche 2 — $2,689,613.07
Taitano said of the $16,676,433.13 in total funds for the program, 95.33% had already been used.
Assistance to CCERA clients includes rental arrears, prospective rent, utility assistance for renters, and housing stability assistance.
The Office of Grants Management & State Clearinghouse under the Office of the Governor is administering the program, which aims to reduce evictions and keep citizens in stable homes, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
