Bernalillo County Government: Commissioners Accept Federal Money To Assist County Renters

Press release from the Bernalillo County Government:

05/25/2021

Bernalillo County commissioners are budgeting roughly $10 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, allocated from the federal government to assist communities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, for rental and utility assistance for county residents who live outside the city limits of Albuquerque and Native American tribal lands.  The county will have until September 2025 to allocate the ARPA funds to qualified renters.

This money is in addition to more than $5 million of Emergency Rental Assistance program dollars made available earlier this year to assist households that have past due rent and utilities due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, up to $20,000.  The county has until September 2022 to distribute its first allocation of federal funds.  The funds are provided directly to states, U.S. territories, local governments, and Native American tribes.  

“The county recognizes that, as residents begin to transition back to their pre-pandemic lifestyles, they may face the same or even greater challenges in their living situation,” says County Commission Chair Charlene Pyskoty.  “We need to continue to offer assistance and get Bernalillo County residents back on their feet emotionally and physically, and that includes keeping them in their homes.”

Any county resident, outside the city limits and Native American tribal lands can apply for rental and utility assistance by going to: https://www.bernco.gov/RENT.  Applications are available in both English and Spanish.

The ARPA allocation was approved by the commission on a 5 to 0 vote.

This press release was produced by the Bernalillo County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.