coronavirus

Hialeah, Miami Offering Renters Relief Program Due to Pandemic

The cities are offering a temporary emergency program for tenants who’ve lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic

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What to Know

  • Hialeah is offering a forgivable loan of $1,000, which will be given to just 1,000 households that qualify for the program
  • Miami is providing eligible households with one-time assistance of up to $1,500
  • Residents can begin applying starting Monday in both cities

The cities of Hialeah and Miami are offering a temporary emergency program for tenants who’ve lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Hialeah city officials, a forgivable loan of $1,000 will be given to just 1,000 households that qualify for the program. The loan will be given over a 3-month period.

Renters must have proof they lost their jobs due to the pandemic, reside in the city of Hialeah and have a total household income at or below 60% of the average median income.

“There’s people who haven’t received a paycheck from the state or any help for two months. They’ve lost their jobs maybe two months ago," Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez said. "So not only are they worried about the virus, but they are worried about where their next meal is going to come from, how they are going to pay for their roof,  so the necessity multiplies times ten every week this goes on.”

The online application started accepting applications Monday at 8 a.m. Renters can also submit a paper application at the John F. Kennedy Library at 8 a.m.

Cars began lining up Sunday with some residents wanting to be the first to get a paper application.

One of those in line, Alberto Leon, said he's out of work and has a $1,400 rent payment due. On top of that, Leon said he had coronavirus last month.

“Very bad, very bad. I couldn’t get out of the house, I had to be in the house for two weeks," Leon said. “I’m free now, thank God. Now I’m here to get help.”

In Miami, the city's Emergency Rental & Utilities Assistance Program is providing one-month rental and utility assistance to residents who have lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic. The program provides eligible households with one-time assistance of up to $1,500.

Residents can apply by filling out the application at this link.

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