April is National Fair Housing Month and people, whose housing has been impacted by COVID, may qualify for assistance provided by Missouri COVID Rental Assistance.
The Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, along with partners South Central Missouri Community Action Agency and the Ozark Foothills Regional Planning Commission, will provide assistance for residents during a series of “Helping Wednesdays” during April in recognition of the Fair Housing Act.
Events will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning Wednesday, April 13, and continuing Wednesday, April 20, and Wednesday, April 27. Butler County residents will receive personal assistance to complete a State Assistance For Housing Relief (SAFHR) application. Assistance is available for those living in Butler, Carter, Reynolds, Ripley and Wayne counties.
The funding provides renters with rent and utility assistance if they have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Landlords can also receive assistance on these days.
In Poplar Bluff, help will be provided to complete the State Assistance for Housing Relief applications at the Poplar Bluff Housing Authority, 302 N. E St. Poplar Bluff, said Tammy Harper, housing authority office manager.
Appointments are recommended and may be made by calling 573-785-8265 and contacting Melba. Walk-ins are welcome.
The payments will be made directly to landlords and utility companies.
Ann Smith with South Central Community Action Agency said, “National Fair Housing Month celebrates the passage of the Fair Housing Act in April 1968, a national law that prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion and gender. The Act was later amended to include protections for people with disabilities and families with children.”
“Fair Housing Month reminds us the principle of fair housing is not only state and national law, but a fundamental human concept and entitlement for all people,” said Smith. “As a community, we welcome all good neighbors, recognizing the contributions and richness tendered by a wide variety of people from diverse backgrounds, colors, ethnicities or religious traditions.”
During the entire month, organizations and local, state, and federal agencies will host events across the country celebrating the anniversary and raising awareness about the Fair Housing Act.
Smith said agencies will be present also to provide information concerning the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Low Income Home Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), Weatherization and Home Repair programs, HUD and Section 8 Housing, and the Housing Authority program.
Those attending are asked to bring current lease or rental agreement and past due letter, utility bill or termination of lease letter.