Genesee County Community Action Resource Department received $12,085,085 in federal funds to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. Qualifying individuals can receive assistance for up to 12 months, rental arrears and three months of projected rental assistance (up to 15 months total). Qualifying households can also receive utility assistance for tenant supplied electricity, home heating, water, sewer and trash.
Eligible renters include households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) who meet the following conditions:
• Individual(s) in the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or has experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak; and
• Individual(s) in the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability evidenced by a past due utility or rent notice.
Applications can be picked up at GCCARD or printed online at:https://ceraapp.michigan.gov/.
Applications may be submitted in the following ways:
• In person via appointment only by calling (810) 768-4675
• Email to: gccardnsc@co.genesee.mi.us
Applicants may call GCCARD’s hotline at 810-768-4675 to begin the process if they do not have access to obtain the online application. All submissions must include the landlord and tenant applications, along with all required documents. Those applications may be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/0,4641,7-141-5555-533463–,00.html
Frequently asked questions regarding CERA: https://www.michigan.gov/documents/mshda/CERA_FAQ_3.25.21_720404_7.pdf
