Louisiana sets up rental assistance program for people affected by economic slowdown

Louisiana has set up a rental assistance program for people who are in jeopardy of losing their housing. The program is starting out with $7 million in federal funding, and is expected to grow to at least $24 million.

Officials said they are also searching for more financial support. The assistance is available on a “first come, first served” basis until the money runs out. Louisiana hopes it will eventually help 10,000 people.

The program is for  those struggling to make rent and facing eviction as a result of coronavirus. The first round is directed toward people earning between $13,500 and $25,450 this year, depending on the size of the household.

People who receive other forms of government housing assistance — such as those who live in public housing or receive a housing voucher — cannot qualify for this program.

When a renter is accepted into the program, the government will pay landlords directly on their behalf. The renter will not handle payments themselves. The rent payments will also be capped at whatever the fair market housing prices are for their community.

More information is available at LaRentHelp.Com.