The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone in Nebraska, with lay-offs, furloughs, school closings, and more. The Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council (SIMPCO) is teaming with the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council (SENAHC) to help landlords in Dakota County.
Funding is available through a Community CARES Grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that includes $800,000 for direct statewide landlord assistance. The SIMPCO region eligible for assistance includes Dakota County, Nebraska. Eligible Dakota County landlords are those who have a documented need for financial assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lease to low-to-moderate income tenants. Both criteria must be met in order for the landlord to participate.
The maximum amount of CARES financial assistance available per landlord is $10,000 in the form of a straight grant (no personal cash match or payback is necessary). Landlords may apply for up to $2,500 in direct financial assistance to cover rental or utility payments due to tenant’s inability to provide a full payment after their employment was compromised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The additional funding may be used for, minor rental unit rehabilitation. If both forms of aid are needed, it is possible to apply for up to $2,500 in direct assistance and request additional funding for minor unit repairs, not to exceed $10,000 total. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and is available on a per-landlord basis, not per-unit.
For more information, and to obtain a copy of the program application, please contact Amanda Harper, Housing Manager, SIMPCO 712-279-6286 or by email at aharper@simpco.org .