PRESQUE ISLE – Governor Janet Mills and MaineHousing announced today an extension of the COVID-19 Rent Relief Program administered by Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) here in Aroostook County. The rental assistance program, established in April, allows households who meet income guidelines, and are unable to pay their rent due to loss or decreased income as a result of COVID-19, to receive a one-time, up to $500 payment in rental assistance to be paid directly to their landlord. With this extension, the program now covers rent for the months of either April, May or June.
“The COVID-19 Rent Relief Program has already helped hundreds of tenants in Aroostook County, specifically those who have lost income at no fault of their own, but because of the recent COVID-19 Pandemic”, said Randy Rattray, Housing Program Coordinator at ACAP. He continues, “It has also allowed us to assist landlords by ensuring they are receiving income to maintain their rental properties. Since April, nearly $170,000 has been paid directly to landlords and back into our local economy. We are eager to serve our community and this extension through the month of June will allow us to continue to do that.”
Since the creation of the program in April, ACAP has approved 339 applications, resulting in $163,281 paid directly to local landlords. In addition to providing rental assistance to those whose income has been impacted by COVID-19, we have also connected those clients to other ACAP programs to help them during this unprecedented time. ACAP has seen an increase of over 1,000 new clients since March 15, 2020, a substantial increase in many of the programs offered by the Agency.
Applications and the answers to frequently asked questions can be found at mainehousing.org/covidrent.
Aroostook County Action Program continues to accept applications for the rental assistance program as well as assist new clients through a vast array of programming. To learn more about available services, contact the ACAP Team at 207-764-3721.
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Aroostook County Action Program provides the people of Aroostook County with services and resources that help individuals and families achieve greater economic independence. As a leader, or in partnership with others, ACAP provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs in the areas of community health, early care and education, energy and housing, and workforce development services.
