How to apply for Springfield’s COVID-19 rental assistance program
Low- and moderate-income Springfield residents struggling to make rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for help through a new assistance program being rolled out by the city.
The $400,000 program, which will be administered by the Springfield Urban League, utilizes about half the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds the city received for COVID-related needs through the CARES Act, which was signed by President Donald Trump in March.
Tenants can begin applying for the program on Thursday. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first served basis. The maximum amount a tenant will receive in city funds is $1,000, though they may be eligible for additional funds through the Springfield Urban League.
“When families can afford rent, everyone benefits,” said Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development director Val Yazell. “We're hopeful that this rental assistance program will provide a crucial stimulus for upward economic mobility.”
To qualify for the program, the renter must live in the city of Springfield, provide documentation showing a loss of income due to COVID-19, have cooperation from their landlord and have household income that is within the allowable limits.
Here is the maximum household income to qualify per tenant living at the address:
* 1 – $42,800
* 2 – $48,900
* 3 – $55,000
* 4 – $61,100
* 5 – $66,000
* 6 – $70,900
* 7 – $75,800
* 8 – $80,700
Starting Thursday, tenants seeking assistance are told to call the Springfield Urban League at 217-789-0830 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. They must specify that they are seeking rental assistance. The intake process will happen over the phone. Materials can be dropped off at the organization’s lobby if a person does not have access to the internet.
Applicants are told to be prepared to provide documentation relating to income, employment status and other COVID-related impacts. There will also be communication with the tenant’s landlord to verify the rental agreement and total rent owed.
Multiple attempts to reach out to a representative of the Springfield Urban League were not successful.
Yazell said that the first successful applicants could receive assistance by September.
In March, the city of Springfield was awarded $799,156 through the CARES Act for COVID-related needs in the community.
Beyond the rental assistance program, the city plans to spend $200,000 in COVID-19 funds plus an additional $325,000 in existing CDBG funds to help small businesses stay open.
Once rolled out, about 100 businesses will receive up to $25,000 in low-interest loans and 40 businesses will receive up to $5,000 in forgivable grants, according to the plan.
The Central Illinois Foodbank will receive $100,000, which would provide for between 100,000 and 130,000 meals.
Contact Brenden Moore: 788-1526, bmoore@sj-r.com, twitter.com/brendenmoore13.