Over $20M Available To Joliet Families Struggling With Rent

WILL COUNTY, IL — Will County is joining forces with the State of Illinois to help residents affected by the pandemic pay their rent and utility costs.

In the recent passage of the pandemic relief plan, the county received $20.6 million to put toward rental assistance for households earning less than 80 percent of the area median income, the county announced in a news release.

Residents earning under 50 percent of the median income, and those who are considered long-term unemployed, will be prioritized, the county said.

The Illinois Housing Development Authority, which received its own grant, will also assist in the effort and work with the county to avoid duplicating efforts.

“Landlords still have mortgage payments to make, maintenance bills and taxes to pay,” Minority Whip Judy Ogalla said in a statement. “The financial strain of the pandemic is felt across the spectrum. This relief is important for renters, landlords, and the economy overall.”

Qualifying households will receive up to nine months of back rent and three months of future rent, the county said.

“Not only have residents had to deal with the sickness and death of the pandemic, but many have lost jobs and income which threatens their housing,” said County Board Majority Leader Meta Mueller (Aurora). “Rental assistance will help to stabilize these individuals and families as the economy returns to full strength.”

All told, Will County received $133 million in the American Rescue Plan. Officials began working last week to craft a plan to allocate the funds to local businesses, organizations and individuals.

In a release, the county said many officials indicated their desire to direct funds to small businesses, increase broadband internet access and mitigate housing and food insecurity.

Officials also discussed using the funds to offer some county employees hazard pay, to strengthen mental health services and to support transportation.

“The parameters for how these funds can be used are fairly wide,” County Board Minority Leader Mike Fricilone said in a statement. “We want to have the biggest impact immediately but we also want to address some of the issues we are facing with long term solutions. That is where careful planning will come into play.”

The county said its board plans to vote on funding priorities in its April meeting. Public comments and suggestions can be sent to the board via email at CountyBoard@willcountyillnois.com or by mail to 302 N. Chicago Street, Joliet, IL 60432.