MADISON, Wis. — Dane County and Urban Triage are partnering to give out more than $10.7 million in emergency rental funds to those in need of help amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
County Executive Joe Parisi announced the partnership Thursday. In addition to the $10.7 million allocated for rental assistance, Urban Triage will get $1.6 million to set up and administer the program.
“Many residents are still struggling to make ends meet or have fallen behind in rent payments due to the unprecedented turbulence of the past 16 months,” Parisi said. “We are committed to helping Dane County residents recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the federal eviction moratorium set to expire at the end of the month, this new round of funding will further our efforts to prevent evictions and housing instability in our community.”
Funding for the program comes from rental assistance fund allocated to Dane County through the American Rescue Plan passed earlier this year.
“This moment is historic for many reasons; most importantly, we are an organization for the people by the people, grassroots, Black centered and community-based providing supports for all, in partnership with Dane County,” Urban Triage Founder and CEO Brandi Grayson said. “It’s a big deal. We’re excited.”
Earlier this year, Dane County announced millions in funding for emergency rental assistance. That program is being administered by the Tenant Resource Center. Funds for that program are expected to run out in August.
Those eligible for assistance can get up to 18 months of assistance for rent, utility fees, expenses like security deposits and more. Households with 80% area media in come or below are eligible if one or more resident has qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, or experienced other financial hardship amid the pandemic. One or more individuals per household must also be able to demonstrate a risk of housing instability or experiencing homelessness.
The funds from the new rental assistance program will be spent in communities outside of Madison because the city received its own funding for rental assistance. A resolution to approve the program will go before the Dane County Health and Human Needs Committee on Thursday. It’s expected to be approved by the County Board in the coming weeks.
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