Manassas Coronavirus Program Helps Residents Pay Rent, Utilities

MANASSAS, VA — The city of Manassas has created a COVID-19 Emergency Financial Housing and Utility Assistance Program to provide housing and utility assistance to Manassas residents who are experiencing financial hardship and loss of income as a direct result of the coronavirus crisis.

"Have you fallen behind in rent/mortgage or utility payments? The City of Manassas Department of Social Services may be able to help," the city of Manassas said Friday in a news release.

The Department of Social Services, which oversees the program, is prioritizing assistance to families and individuals who have lost their primary income, have an increased financial burden, and can demonstrate the greatest need as a result of the coronavirus crisis. The city is providing assistance for the payment of rent and mortgage as well as electric, water and natural gas utility services.

Manassas will make payments directly to landlords or mortgage companies for properties located within the city limits. Assistance will be approved for a single request per household. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis.

The goal of this program is to process and fund accepted applications within seven days, the city said. Residents who need assistance completing the application and assembling documents requested by the city can call 703-361-8277.

The application package, including the supporting documentation, can be submitted in-person or by drop-box at 9324 West Street in Manassas. The application package also can be submitted by email to mcdss@dss.virginia.gov or by fax to 571-921-8806.

In order to qualify for assistance from the COVID-19 Emergency Financial Housing and Utility Assistance Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a resident of and living in Manassas City.
• Households requesting rental assistance must be current on their rent as of March 1.
• Households requesting utility assistance must be current on their utilities as of March 1.
• Utilities must be in the applicant’s name for utility assistance.
• Households must meet income guidelines.
• Households must demonstrate that they can maintain their housing in the immediate future.
• Households must provide documentation showing the loss of income or financial impact of COVID-19.
• Households must have a current and valid lease or mortgage agreement in the applicant’s name. All landlords/lenders must be able to provide a W-9 to the city of Manassas.

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