Olmsted County HRA approves $1 million for temporary rental assistance program

The Olmsted County Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) voted Tuesday to authorize $1 million in emergency funding to assist individuals and families struggling to make rent as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The goal, according to the HRA, is to minimize the number of people who might otherwise lose their housing due to the economic crisis.

The National Multifamily Housing Council estimates that about a third of renters nationally were unable to make their April rent payments on time.

“With May rents coming due this week, we are very concerned about the increased number of residents who will not be able to make this payment,” said Dave Dunn, director of the Olmsted County HRA.

The program will be targeted at people who lost “significant income” due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Applicants must also have less than $2,000 in bank accounts and be in good standing with their landlord.

For those who qualify, the temporary rental assistance will last for three months, though applicants can reapply if necessary.

Minnesota currently as an executive order prohibiting evictions for the duration of the governor’s peacetime emergency declaration. Still, the county says there is concern that with so many people unable to pay rent, eviction filings will increase significantly once the moratorium is lifted.

“Covid-19 is causing, and is expected to continue to cause, serious negative impacts on the Olmsted County economy and to residents. Making this program available prior to end of the moratorium will help prevent as many unnecessary evictions as possible,” said County Board Chair Matt Flynn. 

To learn more about the rental assistance program or to apply, call 507-328-7130, email covidrenthelp@co.olmsted.mn.us, or visit the county website.