Alaskans hoping for financial relief due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic can receive help from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation. Up to 12 months of rent and/or utility relief is available for Alaskans who have been impacted by the pandemic. $200 million was administered in federal funds to eligible renters through an application process.
Stacy Barnes, Director of Governmental Relations and Public Affairs for the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation spoke to KSRM saying that the deadline to apply is tonight, “This is a new program that was made possible by Congress passing a bill at the end of 2020 and the President signing it into law. The money can only be used for renters both for past, current and future liabilities that they have with the place where they’re renting, but also with their utilities. Just like last year, the payment will be made directly to the landlords and to the utility companies with Alaska Housing Finance Corporation administering the program. You do have to be income eligible to participate. On the Kenai Borough, that’s $71,760, of course before COVID harmed your family, you could have been making way more money than that, but as a result of the pandemic, either effects with laying you off from your job or losing hours or even increased expenses, we may be able to help you out.”
Barnes explains how the assistance works, “It goes back to March of 2020 that we can provide assistance where if you have been behind on your rent since that time, or struggling, you are eligible for this program. We will be able to pay up to 12 months of assistance total going both backward and based on current and future obligations.”
Demand is high so make sure you get your applications in because the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation has received over 22,000 applications already. Barnes says that if you think you’re eligible for this program, don’t wait to apply because the deadline to apply is tonight at 11:59 p.m. tonight. For more information, visit AlaskaHousingRelief.org.
