About the Emergency Housing Assistance Program

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act Public Law 116-136 was signed by President Trump on March 27^th, 2020.  The Act identified additional funding for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV). The initial allocation of  CDBG-CV funds, will be used to provide up to three (3) months of Emergency Housing Assistance for households in danger of eviction or foreclosure because they have or will fall behind in rent or mortgage payments because of loss of income due to COVID-19 and eligible administrative expense.

The Emergency Housing Assistance program will provide short-term rent and mortgage assistance to help low-income persons/households at risk of eviction or foreclosure due to a loss of income because of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.  This program is not designed to assist those who were not financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Short-term rent or mortgage assistance will be provided for up to 3-months in an amount of up to $1,400.00 per month.  The amount of assistance provided will be the minimum amount needed, considering other resources available to the applicant, to cure the delinquency or stall the eviction or foreclosure and continue to meet basic needs.   The assistance payments will be made directly to the landlord or mortgage company in compliance with federal CDBG program guidelines.   The assistance will be provided in the form of a grant with no repayment obligation or affordability period required. Applications will be processed on a first-come, first ready, first-served basis.

Eligible Participants – General Criteria:

1.) Households residing in Nashville-Davidson County whose gross monthly income based on household size does not exceed the 80% Area Median Income (AMI) limits established for Nashville-Davidson County (see chart below). For the purposes of eligibility to receive assistance, current household income as a result of the COVID-19 emergency situation, will be used.  Income includes gross wages, income from assets, retirement, social security, disability, unemployment and any other resources or benefits received by household members age 18 and older.

2.) Households where the head or co-head of household (lease/mortgage holder) as of January 1, 2020 had full-time employment (minimum 32 hours a week – could be from multiple employers)  who experienced a 25%  loss of income directly related to COVID-19.

3.) Households who have occupied their current housing since January 1, 2020 and were in good standing with their landlord or mortgage company as of February 29, 2020.

4.) Households that have either regained sufficient income or anticipate regaining sufficient income through return to and/or new employment to remain in their homes once the delinquency is cured.

Application Requirements

Applicants must provide the following:

1.) Completed application (can be accessed_________________________________________________)

2.) Proof of 25% income loss, temporary or permanent due to COVID-19 such as paystubs showing reduction of income, unemployment filing, letter from employer, prior tax returns, YTD profit and loss statements (self-employed applicants) and/or applicant certification, etc.

3.) State ID Cards or Driver’s license or other documentation showing address matching the one on the lease or mortgage statements or current Passport, evidence of permanent resident status, if applicable.

For those applying for Rental Assistance:

• A copy of  current lease in the name of the applicant; and
• A late or eviction notice (s) for monthly rent

For those applying for Mortgage Assistance:

• A copy of the most recent statement – all mortgages
• Proof they are currently occupying the property (copies of utility or other bills in Applicant – Co-Applicant’s name showing the address of the mortgaged property).