CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – The South Carolina Housing Financing and Development Authority says it is launching a program to help tenants and homeowners who are struggling to pay their bills because of the pandemic and quarantine.
The state says that the SC Stay Program will provide the South Carolinians with approximately $ 25 million in funding under the CARES Act. Officials say money will be made available for rent and mortgage assistance to eligible low-income families across the state.
SC Stay communications officer Chris Winston says he decided to launch this program because the CDC moratorium on evictions is set to expire at the end of January. He says that eligible individuals or families can receive up to six months of rent and mortgage assistance.
To qualify, Winston says candidates must be able to show that their income is equal to or less than 80% of the average county income adjusted for family size.
Winston says that candidates will not only have to prove their income this year, but also last year.
Once the reduction is confirmed and the applicant can provide a valid reason, Winston says that they will be eligible for aid. This could include losing your job because of the pandemic, staying less hours or because a family caught the virus and had to stay home, says Winston.
“Coronavirus has definitely impacted people working in the hospitality and retail industry. That many of them are low-income residents and neighbors, ”says Winston. “We saw many of them being more affected by the Coronavirus than others. Many people in our state are fortunate to be able to work from home or remotely, stay safe and stay in their homes and maintain their jobs and maintain their income, but millions of residents in our states are unable to do so. “
SC Stay says it is looking for government and nonprofit partners from across the state to help manage these funds, as well as groups to help certify eligible low-income families and assist with the integration process in different state counties.
Agencies wishing to apply as partners of the SC Stay Program can review the qualifications and apply on the SC Stay website. The last day for processing agencies to apply is next Tuesday.
In addition, more information can be found by calling the SC Stay hotline number at 833-985-2929.
People who seek care through this program can start sending their information and there is no specific deadline for them.
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