by Marine Glisovic (msglisovic@sbgtv.com)
Additional help is available for Arkansas renters who have lost jobs or are struggling financially due to the pandemic. The Arkansas Department of Human Services launched the Arkansas Rent Relief program Monday (May 17), which utilizes $173 million in federal funds.
“The need for rental assistance has been present since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Asa Hutchinson said. “I appreciate the work that’s being done by the Arkansas Department of Human Services in conjunction with our federal partners to help renters and landlords who need assistance during this time.”
The program is aimed at covering past rent, future rent and certain utilities such as water, electricity and gas. Mary Franklin, DHS’s Director of Division of County Operations, said payment assistance can be used for up to 15 months of rent or utilities incurred between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021.
