KANKAKEE – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has created the Emergency Housing Assistance (ERA) Program to assist renters who have been impacted by COVID-19 up to $5,000 for back rent and prepay through 2020. Applications open Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 21 and are chosen through a third-party randomization service, not by a first come, first serve basis.
Eligible households must have income under the 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI), which can be found in the image below. Applicants must also have unpaid rent that began on or after March 1, 2020 due to the loss of income related to COVID-19. If approved, payments are wired directly to landlords within 10 business days or 15-20 days if sent by paper check.
To apply, visit www.era.ihda.org and check your eligibility by entering your name, email, zip code, and household income. If you are eligible, you must submit your application online, and your landlord will also need to complete his or her part of the submission process. All these details and more can be found within the supplemental materials included with this press release or on the Economic and Community Development Agency’s website, https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/ under the “Meeting Information” tab and Resources section.
Funds are limited, and only one application per household is allowed. Applicants may be notified as early as August 25, 2020, but applying does not guarantee assistance. If you need help during the application process, Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center is a community partner for this program. Their address is 700 E Court Street, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901. Their phone number is (773) 564-9070.
