Rep. Russo announces $100 million to help Ohioans pay rent, utility costs amid pandemic

COLUMBUS –This week, State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced the State Controlling Board approved $100 million in federal funds for the state’s Rent Assistance Program to aid Ohioans impacted by the pandemic with financial assistance to pay rent, rent arrears, utilities and home energy costs, and utility and home energy costs arrears.

“As this pandemic continues to rage on, many Ohioans are struggling to make ends meet through no fault of their own,” said Rep. Russo.  “These funds will help give critical relief for families by providing financial aid for rent and utilities.  It will also bolster the state’s coronavirus efforts, pay for additional PPE, and shore up the Ohio Department of Health’s COVID-19 and vaccine efforts.  Such efforts will be critical to the health and well-being of all Ohioans as this pandemic rages on in the coming weeks.”

The Development Services Agency will award funds to local Community Action Agencies (CAA) according to the low-to moderate-income populations and unemployment rates within each county. Ohioans at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) are eligible for assistance.

Additionally, the Controlling Board Monday approved the transfer of $20.9 million in CARES Act funding to the Department of Health’s 2021 budget to support data analysis, public information about COVID-19 and vaccines, and related critical outreach to Ohio citizens, and other response costs paid by the department. Another $8 million will go to purchase additional PPE equipment to aid the state’s ongoing coronavirus response efforts.