How struggling households can get federal rental assistance
An estimated 8.8 million Americans are behind on their rent, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. While relief efforts have staved off some of the housing crisis, rent is still going to come due.
The federal government has approved two rounds of rental assistance, worth more than $46 billion total, that is slowly making its way to renters.
Additionally, the federal eviction moratorium has been extended to the end of June. But avoiding eviction does not erase any rent owed. Estimates vary, but the Urban Institute said renters owe anywhere from $13.2 billion to $52.6 billion in back rent.
If you are struggling, here is what you should know about how to access this help:
WHAT’S AVAILABLE
Congress passed two different rental relief packages. The first, approved in December, provided $25 billion for rental relief. The second, approved in March, provides more than $21 billion.
In general, the aid can help pay for back rent, next month’s rent and some utility bills. Renters can get a year or more’s help in getting caught up on back rent.
This is in addition to other programs out there on a local basis that may provide different forms of assistance. There has been some difficulty accessing certain programs but housing experts are hoping this latest round of federal relief specific to rental assistance will help more people.
WHO QUALIFIES
There is some flexibility for states to adapt the
unemployment benefits as part of the federal stimulus program. Many restaurants and small businesses in the hospitality industry are struggling to fill existing jobs even as more employment opportunities open up as the busier summer tourism season approaches.
The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Friday listed 257,492 job openings, or nearly 54% more jobs than the 167,333 people who were unemployed in the state in March, state figures show.
McDonald’s and other employers are trying to reassure anxious would-be workers they have a safe environment. McDonald’s said it has implemented more than 50 COVID-19 safety procedures to protect crew and customers at its restaurants, including wellness and temperature checks, social distancing floor stickers, protective barriers at order points and masks and gloves for employees. Each restaurant has also implemented additional safety and health training and procedures.
Hoyle said a summer job at McDonald’s prepares employees with on-the-job training for future careers within McDonald’s and beyond.
“In addition to gaining experience and knowledge in the hospitality industry, McDonald’s restaurant employees develop teamwork, customer service, responsibility and time management skills,” he said.
McDonald’s is among a number of area employers planning hiring events next week as they gear up for the summer and try to hire many high school and college students for summer jobs.
On Wednesday, Food City will be hosting a companywide hiring event at all of its 135 grocery stores to hire both full-time and part-time positions.
Food City is seeking to hire over 2,000 workers across its company and will accept applications throughout the day next Wednesday at all of its stores. Food City said it is hiring both entry-level positions and experienced, skilled workers, such as meat cutters, cake decorators, and retail management, positions, as well as various warehousing and distribution positions.
Next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the James A. Henry YMCA at 615 Derby Street, several nonprofit agencies are jointly conducting a job fair for available summer positions.
During the job fair, applicants can talk with different nonprofits, including The Bethlehem Center, Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga, Chambliss Center for Children, Girls Inc., Northside Neighborhood House, and the YMCA of Greater Chattanooga, in addition to Hamilton County School Age Child Care.
Candidates are encouraged to bring resumes and be prepared to complete paperwork onsite, as the agencies present work to fill open positions at camps. While most agencies desire candidates 18 and above, several nonprofits are willing to hire rising juniors and seniors from local high schools.
“Over 100 openings are ready to be filled for the upcoming camp season, and we wanted to provide an easy and quick way for people to connect with our nonprofit community,” said Bill Rush of the YMCA.