CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Chesterfield residents who are facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can now apply for emergency rental assistance.
The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors on Wednesday approved a request by the Department of Community Enhancement to appropriate more than $10 million of federal Coronavirus Relief funds to two local nonprofits, Area Congregations Together in Service (ACTS) and Homeward.
ACTS is appropriating more than $10 million to assist eligible renters through the Chesterfield Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance program (CERA).
Homeward received $450,000 to meet the increased need for homeless relief and prevention services due to the pandemic.
“Chesterfield knows it is important to invest in programs such as emergency rental assistance during this period of uncertainty due to COVID-19,” said Dan Cohen, Community Enhancement director. “It’s critical we get these funds out the door and into the community as soon as possible.”
The CERA program is available to help renters who experienced financial hardships due to COVID-19. Residents can receive relief for up to 15 months of past and future rent and utility obligations starting as far back as April 1, 2020.
Funds can be used for the following:
- Rent and rental arrears
- Utilities and home energy costs and arrears
- Other housing expenses resulting from the pandemic
Chesterfield residents can apply to the CERA program online or by calling ACTS at 804-644-2401. (Press No. 2 and leave a message. Spanish-speaking residents will need to press No. 5.)
Under the CERA Program, Chesterfield landlords can also apply on behalf of their tenants.
For more information on eligibility, priority households and what documents are needed to apply, click here.
Virginia Together: The Rebound Richmond campaign is here to help. Find information on who is hiring, investigations into unemployment payment issues, financial advice on making ends meet, and mental health advice on managing the pressures. These stories will be featured often on CBS 6 News and can be found by clicking this link.