KANKAKEE, IL - (August 10, 2020) – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has created the Emergency Housing Assistance (ERA) Program to assist renters who have been impacted by COVID-19 up to $5,000 for back rent and prepay through 2020. Applications open Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 21 and are chosen through a third-party randomization service, not by a first come, first serve basis.

 

Eligible households must have income under the 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI), which can be found in the image below. Applicants must also have unpaid rent that began on or after March 1, 2020 due to the loss of income related to COVID-19. If approved, payments are wired directly to landlords within 10 business days or 15-20 days if sent by paper check. To apply, visit www.era.ihda.org and check your eligibility by entering your name, email, zip code, and household income. If you are eligible, you must submit your application online, and your landlord will also need to complete his or her part of the submission process. All these details and more can be found within the supplemental materials included with this press release or on the Economic and Community Development Agency’s website, https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/ under the “Meeting Information” tab and Resources section.

 

Funds are limited, and only one application per household is allowed. Applicants may be notified as early as August 25, 2020, but applying does not guarantee assistance. If you need help during the application process, Duane Dean Behavioral Health Center is a community partner for this program. Their address is 700 E Court Street, Kankakee, Illinois, 60901. Their phone number is (773) 564-9070.

 

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      From https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2020/select_Geography.odn

 

About the Economic and Community Development Agency (ECDA):

The Kankakee Economic and Community Development (ECDA) is a local government agency whose mission is to improve the lives of Kankakee residents and enhance the economic vitality of communities through housing, economic development and community development. The ECDA administers programs that serve the neighborhoods and residents of the City of Kankakee provided by federal, state and local funding. For more information, contact ECDA at 815-933-0506, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit our website at https://ecda.citykankakee-il.gov/.

 

About the City of Kankakee, Illinois:

The City of Kankakee is dedicated to protecting, building and nurturing the community while enhancing lives. We are a historic, vibrant and active riverfront community. We continue to transform into an extraordinary place to dream, grow and thrive. Embracing our diversity, we strive to be progressive, inclusive and innovative. For more information on the City of Kankakee, please visit the website at www.citykankakee-il.gov.

 

Download the Press Release - Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) Accepting Applicants for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program Starting Today

 

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

How To Apply - English

How To Apply - Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions - English

Frequently Asked Questions - Spanish