Press Release: Lafayette Parish Emergency Rental Assistance Program accepting applications today
The Lafayette Emergency Assistance Program is now accepting applications.
The Lafayette Parish Emergency Rental Assistance Program (LEAP) is funded through the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (H.R. 133). This relief package includes $25 billion for emergency rental assistance, of which $7.2 Million has been allocated to Lafayette Parish and its municipalities.
The LEAP program focuses on paying up to 12 months of past-due rent and utilities and up to three months of future assistance for eligible applicants.
Renters may be eligible for assistance from the Lafayette Emergency Assistance Program if they meet all the criteria listed below. Priority is given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID-19, and to households earning less than 50 percent of the Area Median Income, as required by the law.
Criteria for Eligibility:
Renter qualifies or previously qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced an income reduction or other financial hardship due to COVID-19.
Renter can demonstrate housing instability such as past-due rent or utility bills or notice of eviction.
Renters total household income is at or below 80 percent of the area median income.
Landlords may assist their tenants with applying for this program.
Note regarding Landlords:
To participate in the program, landlords must not evict a tenant for at least 90 days after the assistance ends and must forgive late fees, penalties, interest, portions of rent exceeding fair market rent, and court costs.
How to Apply
The Lafayette Emergency Assistance Program will begin accepting applications on Thursday, April 1, 2021. Applications are available either online or in person:
Text to apply:
Text CCA RENT to 797979
Link to apply:
www.catholiccharitiesacadiana.org
www.smilecaa.org
Or apply in person:
SMILE Community Action Agency
501 St. John Street
Lafayette, LA
337-234-3272 Ext. 200
Note on special application assistance:
Applicants needing assistance with filling out the application can visit the LCG Human Services office located at 111 Shirley Picard Drive, or call 337-291-5450.
Renters outside of Lafayette Parish
Renters outside Lafayette Parish can apply through the State of Louisiana at www.lastaterent.com or by calling (877) 459-6555.
About Catholic Charities of Acadiana: Catholic Charities of Acadiana cares for the sacred gift of all human life, especially the most vulnerable. CCA operates several programs that serve those who are currently experiencing homelessness, hunger and poverty in Acadiana. Since 1973, its programs have represented a response to the Gospel call to carry out the corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, offering hospitality to the homeless, caring for the sick, visiting the imprisoned and burying the dead.
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