Need Help Paying Rent? Apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program

Rental rates all over the country went up in 2020 however Boise's market was one of those hit the hardest having the largest increase in median rent over the last year. According to an article from The New York Times, the median rent in Boise went up 12% from $931 in 2020 to $1,047 in 2021 leaving residents struggling to make payments.

It's no secret that housing affordability is an issue in the Treasure Valley and the pandemic certainly has not provided much of a break for residents, until now. The city of Boise has been granted $11.5 million in funding from the US Department of Treasury as part of the second COVID-19 relief package. A new emergency rental assistance program has been constructed with this funding to help residents in Boise and Ada County struggling with housing insecurities.

The City of Boise is encouraging residents impacted by COVID-19 to take advantage of the new Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) which can provide financial relief for those who meet the requirements:

A household must be a resident of Boise city or Ada County
They must not have an income that exceeds the area median income
Must have a COVID-19 related economic impact
Must have a rental agreement/lease

Not sure if your situation is COVID-19 related or not? Boise Senior Manager of Housing and Community Development Maureen Brewer told KTVB, that although the city doesn't have extreme flexibility in defining a COVID-19 related economic impact, "the intent of the funding is to preserve housing" and the department "can be pretty liberal with what is considered a COVID-19 impact.” She continued, "If you are experiencing housing insecurity, or trouble paying your rent, I would encourage you to reach out."

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will launch next week however it's good to become informed about it now and plan to apply if you are in need of assistance. Contact BCACHA at 208-363-9710 or visit BCACHA.org to see if you qualify.