‘It’s been a scary time’: MS officials connect with residents during rental assistance fair – Clarion Ledger

A queue of residents stood outside the Crossroads of Life Church as early as 8 a.m. Saturday waiting to get help with their rent and utilities, an official at the event said.

Those who stopped by could get help with filling out applications to receive assistance for rent and utilities and learn about different payment plans for their water bills, as well as get a COVID-19 vaccine.

State Rep. David Blount was one of four state representatives hoping to reach the community to help them in the process of applying for both rental and utilities assistance Saturday.

“The way to help people is to get out into the community, to get into the grassroots, to involve our churches and have local elected officials reach out into the community, serve people where they are,” Blount said.

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City of Jackson employees operated a table to help talk people through two payment plans they could opt to use depending if they qualify for low-income or not. 

Rivers Ormon, corporate communications officer at Mississippi Home Corporation, said the event was part of the program’s Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program, which received approximately $186 million in federal emergency funding earlier this year to be given out to help renters.

Ormon added the event was to help reach those in the community who might not have access to the internet and who might need assistance in walking through the application.

“It’s been a scary time and we understand that people need help,” she said. “And we want to make sure that we reach the people who do need the help.”

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The money from the fund can go toward 15 months of rent and other expenses, such as utilities and home energy costs, including electricity, gas, water and sewer trash removal. The funding can’t be used to pay telephone, cable or internet bills.

To qualify, renters must make no more than 80% of their area’s median income, demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and experienced either unemployment, reduced income or a financial hardship because of COVID-19.

For example, in Hinds County, a five-person household making $61,250 or less a year is eligible for assistance.

A renter who asked to not be identified said he stopped by the event because he’s in the process of being evicted. He hoped to show the application and a letter that renters received at the fair to his landlord to possibly work something out to stay in place for a little longer.

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Natasha Hughes, 38, said she stopped by to get help with her water utilities after she missed the last assistance fair.

“I mean this is wonderful,” Hughes said. “It’s good that they’re at least trying to help.”

Hughes, who lives in Jackson, said she hasn’t been able to work, and her unemployment benefits were cut off. The mother of three thought it would be a good idea to see what help she could get.

Ormon said there are two events coming up, including in Cleveland on Aug. 11 and in Aberdeen, with more events planned through August. 

For those who missed Saturday’s event or have questions, Ormon said they can call 601-533-8401 or 1-888-725-0063, or visit the Mississippi Home Corporation website at www.ms-ramp.com.

Have a news tip? Contact Gabriela Szymanowska at gszymanowska@gannett.com, on Twitter or at 601-215-4292.

Original Source: https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2021/08/07/rental-assistance-fair-byram-provides-ms-residents-some-relief/5519256001/