Nevada Rural Housing Authority now accepting applications for COVID-19 rental assistance
The Nevada Rural Housing Authority (NRHA) announced the launch of the CARES Housing Assistance Program (CHAP), which provides temporary assistance to residents who have lost income due to COVID-19 and need help paying rent. NRHA was designated by the State of Nevada Housing Division to administer the program to assist impacted renters in the 15 rural Nevada counties. The program is available to all eligible Nevadans, with Reno Housing Authority administering the program in Reno, Sparks and Washoe County, and Clark County Social Services administering the program in Clark County.
Funding for CHAP was provided by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress — each state received funding. Governor Sisolak and Treasurer Zach Conine identified rental assistance as a priority and allocated $30 million for this purpose.
Rental assistance funds will be offered as a grant to eligible Nevada tenants and are not required to be paid back. Funds will be awarded on a first-come-first serve basis and will be paid directly to landlords on behalf of tenants.
In order to be eligible for funds, applicants:
- Must be a tenant in Nevada with a current, active lease in which back-rent is owed;
- Must be able to demonstrate financial hardship due to COVID-19 (loss of employment, reduction in work hours, and/or reduction in wages);
- Must have a gross annual household income that is at or below 120% of Area Median Income;
- Must not be receiving Federal Voucher Housing Assistance; and
- Must have household liquid resources less than $3,000.
Assistance is available to those who have experienced a reduction or loss of income due to COVID-19 and are currently delinquent, or anticipate falling behind, on rent payments. Depending upon the applicant’s situation, rent payments may be made retroactively to April 1 and may continue for several months if the hardship continues and money remains available in the program. Full qualification details and application are available at the dedicated NRHA webpage and phone number below. Applicants without computer access should call. Application information for Reno, Sparks, Washoe County and Clark County is also available at the webpage.
“Nevada’s renters have been among the hardest hit by the economic crisis caused by COVID-19,” said Nevada State Treasurer Zach Conine. “This program is going to keep thousands of Nevada families in their homes, ensuring that they get back to work without having to worry about missed rent payments.”
“We fully anticipate there to be more demand for this program than we have in funding. Therefore, we need the federal government to step up and provide additional support to tenants impacted by COVID-19 as soon as possible.”
More information about the program can be found in both ENGLISH and SPANISH or by calling 2-1-1.
NRHA CARES Housing Assistance Program Application Information
(775) 302-5090 or Toll-Free (833) 328-0288
