You could qualify for three months of free rent

Bonner County residents making under $40,400 a year could qualify for three months of free rent through a new emergency rental assistance program.

In March, $32 million of supplemental funding for emergency rental assistance was approved by the Idaho Legislature, which falls under the Idaho Housing and Finance Association’s Housing Preservation Program — a program that provides assistance to Idahoans who live outside of Ada County, who need help with their rent or utilities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since these funds were granted to Idaho residents, The Community Resource EnVision Center in Sandpoint has been helping residents in Bonner and Boundary counties apply for and receive those emergency rental funds.

“So far, we have helped 210 families and have brought $600,034 of emergency rental assistance to their landlords,” the center said in a press release.

This rental assistance program applies to individuals making less than $40,400, households of two making less than $45,850, or a household of three with an income less than $51,600. Larger households making less than 80% of the average median income are also available for this rental assistance program.

Applications for emergency rental assistance will be open until Friday, Nov. 17.

Interested applications will need to provide their address, phone number and email address; a government-issued identification card; the date of birth for all household occupants; proof of income for all household adults in the last 60 days; their lease agreement; eviction notices if applicable; and their landlord information.

Applicants can apply online at ihfa.rentrelief.com or connect with an EnVision Center specialist for assistance submitting an application. Bonner County residents can email Angella Barber at angella@crecidaho.com or call her at 208-920-1840. Residents can also drop into the center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. located at 130 McGhee Road, Suite 220 in Sandpoint.