Unite ct email6/23/2023 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention instituted the ban for qualifying evictions in September 2020. Supreme Court late last month that allowed evictions to resume again after a monthslong federal ban on evictions for nonpayment of rent. This program is addressing a heightened need following an order by the U.S. The assistance can be applied only to rental and electricity payments - not pet, parking, late or other fees. That money can cover up to 12 months of back rent and up to three months of future rent. Up to $15,000 in rent and $1,500 in electricity assistance is available per household. The state named its program UniteCT, and it began in March. “Sometimes it’s limited, but it’s something we have to take advantage of,” Diaz said.Connecticut received about $235.9 million in this round of emergency rental assistance. to 5 p.m.ĭiaz strongly encourages others who need the help to participate. to noon, and at the WIC Norwich Office from 1 p.m. On Monday, the mobile unit will be at the St. “Every town needs help, but I think it’s really nice to see that they thought of Norwich in the first place,” Diaz said. “In areas where we don’t see a lot of activity, and great need, we want to put the bus in those spaces,” Marmolejo said.ĭiaz was surprised to learn that Norwich was the first city UniteCT has visited. Marmolejo said Norwich was chosen based on where the program was receiving applications from statewide and where community partners are located. “It’s important to recognize not everyone feels comfortable with technology,” Marmolejo said. Marmolejo said Norwich was the first stop around Connecticut until the registration period ends in September, unless the money runs out sooner.Įven though people can register for UniteCT from home, Marmolejo said the mobile unit is needed for helping people apply. Marmolejo said UniteCT was created as the state received $235 million in rent relief from the U.S. “You can’t have them in a place where they’re losing a million dollars here, a million dollars there,” Nystrom said. Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom said the program is important for the city because it helps not only the renters and landlords, but also Norwich Public Utilities, which Nystrom calls one of the city’s strongest assets. Nystrom said 10% of NPU's annual revenue goes to the general fund. “I’m quite a bit behind, but I’m still paying it every month.” “The utilities are in my name, and I’ve been paying it,” Arsenault said. Arsenault had an agreement with an ex-son-in-law to buy Arsenault's house in Norwich, but the ex-son-in-law decided to not buy the house, and left the people he brought with him there.Īrsenault can't sell the house while people live there, and with the eviction moratorium still in place, Arsenault can’t kick out the people he said haven’t been paying bills. “We want to make sure that money is stabilizing a household,” Marmolejo said.īozrah resident Joseph Arsenault attended to get help with utility bills. Upon approval, money can arrive between 10 to 14 days, and payment is submitted to the landlord. Marina Marmolejo, the UniteCT program manager, said applications must be submitted by both the tenant and the landlord, with appropriate paperwork. Those eligible have qualified for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The program supports households at or below 80% of the HUD Area Median Income, with priority for those making only 50% of the HUD Area Median Income and unemployed for 90 days. Stanton Elementary School in Norwich on Wednesday morning to inform and sign people up for the UniteCT program, which provides up to $10,000 in financial support for past-due rent and up to $1,500 for electric bills that are in arrears for eligible applicants. “This would be a little help for us low-income families,” Diaz said. Diaz is grateful, however, for the new UniteCT program from the Connecticut Department of Housing.
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