The Metropolitan Action Commission will close its HOPE rental assistance portal for new applications on June 30. Beginning, July 1, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency will expand its portal to allow Davidson County residents still experiencing the impact of COVID to apply for rental help.
Metro Action anticipates that the current applications and any new applications it will receive in the month of June will obligate the remaining funds allotted to the city by the US Treasury.
As of May, Metro Action has distributed $56,151,261.31 which covers the rental debt of 6,784 households up to 12 months in arrears as well as paying ahead three months to further stabilize families due to the ongoing housing crisis in Davidson County. At the end of the program, the agency expects to have will have spent more than $60 million.
“This has had a tremendous impact to the economy of Davidson County as well as in helping residents clear back debt and remain housed. Small property owners were especially impacted by unpaid rent as many of them struggled to pay on mortgages and their property taxes,” said Dr. Cynthia Croom, MAC Agency Director.
Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA), who also received ERA for Tennessee Counties not administering their own programs, still has funding available to assist residents still impacted by the pandemic.
“We will work cooperatively with THDA as they transition into our county to support them in connecting to residents still in need of help,” said Dr. Croom.
Last year Metro Action was recognized at the U.S. White House Eviction Prevention Summit and the U.S. Treasury for its success distributing federal Emergency Rental Assistance funding and its work with the courts to help avoid mass evictions. The agency has maintained that success in assisting households.
Metro Action will continue to assist applicants who visit the Metro Action Customer Service lobby to apply for THDA Rental Assistance funding Monday through Friday from 9am until 3pm. Applicants can access the THDA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program by calling 844-500-1112 or visit their website at thda.org to apply for funding.
Metro Action continues to administer programs such as one-time rental and utility assistance. Check out more information on all of Metro Action’s programs.