Nearly $8.5 million is available to Douglas County residents who have fallen behind on rent or utility payments because of COVID-19. 

The $8.4 million in funds comes from the U.S. Treasury Department through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Act of 2021.

These funds will assist qualified county residents with previous or future payments through 2021, officials said. 

“Many in our community are unemployed or have experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19, struggling to pay their rent and utilities,” said County Commissioner and Vice Chair Abe Laydon. “Douglas County wants to do everything possible to help our citizens get back on their feet.”

To qualify for the rent and utility assistance, renters must prove:

• They have a household gross income at or below 80% of the area median income
• Demonstrate they are at risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability because of a past due or late notice on rent or utilities
• Have not applied for or received assistance for the rent or utility assistance through this program
• One or more of the following:
  • Experienced a reduction in household income because of COVID-19
  • Incurred significant costs due to COVID-19
  • Experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; or,
  • Qualifies for unemployment 

If qualified, renters must apply through one of five nonprofits who have been chosen to process each application and distribute payments directly to landlord property managers or utility providers. 

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Applications can be found here.