Renters assistance program to help Arkansans

A renter assistance program has been established to help those who may have fallen behind on their rent.

The Arkansas Covid-19 Fresh Start Housing Stabilization program opened today in every county in the state.

Casey Kidd, director with CRDC says their main goal from this program is to give relief and comfort.

“I want to make sure that they’re provided comfort and relief, they’re provided support. They’re knowing they are not alone, that our agencies are there for them during this difficult time. We’re their advocate, we’re their voice when they feel they may not have one,” CRDC director, Casey Kidd said.

The program is a collaboration between the Arkansas Community Action Agency Association and the CARES Act legislature committee.

Once the applicant applies and is approved, the funds will be sent to the landlord to cover 2 and a half months of late rent. Currently, it’s a onetime program.

“There needs to be more. Families are struggling, people are facing living on the streets during the pandemic, and something needs to be done,” Kidd said.

Kidd says this program is a much-needed source of support in Northeast Arkansas.

Right now, she says they do not have a specific timeframe on the process step, but they will move as quickly as they can.

“We want them to know that it’s more than the financial assistance. That we want to see them succeed. We want them to maintain their housing, we want them to overcome the battles they’re facing that have been brought on by COVID-19 and to honestly just remember that they are not alone and we’re going to help them through the best that we can,” Kidd said.

Funding is first come first serve and you can apply at arfresh.com. Kidd says more information is also available on CRDC Facebook.