City of Toledo and Lucas County Announce Relaunch of Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program

TOLEDO, OH - The Toledo-Lucas County Rental Assistance Program to help individuals and families negatively impacted during the Coronavirus pandemic and need help to pay rent or utility bills has been relaunched, Lucas County Commissioners Tina Skeldon Wozniak, Pete Gerken, and Gary L. Byers and Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz announced today.

“I am thrilled to announce that the partnership that Lucas County began with the City of Toledo in May to help residents across our community who are facing unexpected and difficult circumstances as a result of this global pandemic has been replenished with new funds,” said Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak. “We are grateful to announce the relaunch of this critical county-wide program to alleviate the pressure and stress families have about their unpaid rental payments, especially while we are in the middle of the holiday season.”

“The Toledo-Lucas County Rental Assistance Program has been a lifeline to many who were worried about keeping a safe and secure roof over their heads, especially our most vulnerable residents, the low income and communities of color,” said Commissioner Pete Gerken. “Renters have been among the hardest hit by the economic crisis caused by COVID-19 and continue to face a very challenging time. The restart of this program will keep thousands of Lucas County families in their homes, ensuring that they get back to work without having to worry about missed rent payments and outstanding utility bills.”

“With many tenants unable to pay rent or keep up with their utility expenses and the federal eviction moratorium no longer in place, it is essential that we help our renters weather the storm through this pandemic,’ said Commission Gary L. Byers. “We are continuing are partnership with the City of Toledo and again utilizing the resources of NeighborWorks, Lutheran Social Services, and Pathway to provide financial relief to residents who are struggling to meet their day-to-day housing needs.”

The more than $22.7 million in funds for the first and second rounds of Rental Assistance Program were secured through the American Rescue Plan of 2021, a comprehensive COVID-19 response package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in February.

“With Covid-19 threatening to unleash further devastation across the country, President Biden and Congressional Democrats worked quickly earlier this year to deliver the American Rescue Plan, and protect our communities from financial ruin,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur “The American Rescue Plan’s rental assistance funding has served as a critical lifeline – ensuring our families and seniors remain in the safety of their homes as we make our way through this pandemic together. We are glad to be able to continue this vital partnership with the City of Toledo and Lucas County as we work together to strengthen our region for the future ahead.”

“The City of Toledo is committed to making sure that residents who are at risk for homelessness, or have housing instability, are helped financially so that they can stay in their homes,” Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said. “We are very happy for this second round of funding. We are looking forward to ensure that our residents are safe, and able to meet their daily needs.”

To date, the Toledo-Lucas County Rental Assistance Program, which originally opened in May, 2021, has provided nearly $12.6 million in financial support to nearly 1,900 households. An additional $10.1 million in funds are being made available beginning today for direct rental assistance to benefit income-eligible tenants in Toledo and Lucas County.

The program details can be found at toledo.oh.gov/renters.

The program assists low to moderate-income households in the city and county with up to 18 months of rent, utility, and internet support. That may include payment for current and future rent, past due rent, late fees, new renter fees, security deposits, and utility deposits and payments.

In order to be eligible for rent assistance funds, applicants:

• Must rent a residential unit in Toledo or Lucas County.
• Have a valid and current lease signed by both landlord and tenant or other documentation supporting the existence of a rental relationship.
• Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to or during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Fall below the maximum household income requirement.

Applications will only be accepted online via the Neighborly TLCERAP Software portal, which is posted at toledo.oh.gov/renters. Partner organizations will provide marketing and outreach for the program and provide technical assistance with the online application on a first-come, first-served basis.

The program partner organizations are:

NeighborWorks Toledo Region
704 Second St.
419-691-2900
nwtoledo.org

Lutheran Social Services
2149 Collingwood Blvd.
419-243-9178
lssnwo.org

Pathway
505 Hamilton St.
419-242-7304z
pathwaytoledo.org

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