Payments made in 37 cases
As of 8 a.m. June 9, 858 applications turned in to Sarasota County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) were being reviewed, and 647 more applications had been submitted to county staff, county Media Relations Officer Sara Nealeigh reported.
Altogether, she noted, 37 applications had been paid as of that time.
Additionally, Nealeigh noted in her update, ERAP “ambassadors” assisted 104 applicants the week of June 1. Those ambassadors are stationed at locations throughout the county to help people without internet access, for example, and individuals experiencing other difficulties.
Since the county launched the program on May 5, Nealeigh added, 742 applicants had received aid from the ambassadors.
Further, the week of June 1, she noted, the ERAP call center answered 328 calls; the total since May 5 was 1,673.
The ERAP call center is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 941-861-RENT.
Landlords and renters who believe they may be eligible for rental assistance are encouraged to apply for ERAP at scgov.net/rent.
For more information on the program, including eligibility requirements, the necessary documentation, frequently asked questions and program ambassadors, visit scgov.net/rent or call 941-861-RENT (7368).
The county received $13 million in federal funding for the program.