City Of Phoenix: Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program Hours Expand To Provide More Access To Residents

Phoenix AZ

20 September, 2021

4:48 PM

Description

Press release from the City of Phoenix: September 20, 2021 11:00 AM The city of Phoenix continues to disburse funds through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program to help residents pay their rent and/or utilities. Starting September 20, 2021, the city's three Family Services Centers are extending hours of operation for residents to apply for ERA funds. Hours are now Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Previously, hours were Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) These expanded hours will increase access to appointment opportunities for residents. As part of an ongoing commitment to expedite getting ERA funding out the door, the city also began hiring 50 additional positions in August to assist the program. To date, the city has disbursed more than $35 million of the $51.1 million allocated in March of this year. The city is disbursing an average $2 million per week through the program, which is up from $1 million per week back in April and May.   Funds for this program come from the U.S. Department of Treasury—the entity responsible for deciding who is eligible for these funds. The ERA Program is available to households regardless of citizenship or immigration status and does not require a Social Security Number be provided. Learn more about who qualifies here. ​ There are two methods for applying for ERA funds. The city's Human Services Department offers a phone appointment system at 602-534-AIDE (2433). The second method of application is through an online portal with Wildfire. Watch this video in English (o en español) to learn more about the application process.  Related Social Media Hashtags and Handles: EmergencyRentalAssistanceProgram HumanServicesDepartment Keywords: Emergency Rental Assistance Program, Human Services Department This press release was produced by City of Phoenix. The views expressed here are the author's own.