SALT LAKE CITY – Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall today announced the addition of an additional $1.1 million to fund existing community housing programs that help residents — including undocumented residents — facing temporary financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Salt Lake City is committed to dedicating as much as we can to efforts that benefit families still struggling from job loss or income instability — especially those who have yet to receive federal stimulus dollars,” said Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Housing is of course a top priority, and we’re glad we were able to allocate more funding to help transition individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing, and also help those struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.”

The funds will be allocated to three community partner programs focused on specific needs:
· Rapid Re-Housing,
· Rental Assistance and
· Mortgage Assistance.

With the federal eviction moratorium and the additional $600 unemployment benefit now expired, many families are losing the safety nets that have protected them from homelessness.

“Many Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness, and this issue disproportionately affects our communities of color,” said Lani Eggertsen-Goff, Director of the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Division. “Each year, the City budgets millions of dollars to housing, but this year the need has grown significantly. This additional funding will make a big difference in the lives of individuals and families.”

The housing funding is in addition to other efforts the City has undertaken to offset financial impacts of the pandemic, including
· $1 million to the Emergency Loan Program for Business early in the pandemic
· Proposed $1.6 million to expand Youth and Family Services programs
· Expanded efforts to address digital equity
· Tip your Server partnership with Downtown Alliance
· 5-month-long Temporary Suspension of Paid Parking Meters
· #RaiseUpSLC a fundraising effort focused on providing $500 debit cards to residents in need through the Accelerator for America non-profit organization.

Information for residents
Agencies have translation services available to ensure language barriers are not an obstacle to obtaining services.

Rapid Re-Housing (for individuals or households 50% AMI, experiencing homelessness)
· The Road Home, (801) 359-4142

Rental Assistance (for individuals or households 60% AMI, facing evictions)
· Asian Association of Utah, (801) 467-6060
· Catholic Community Services, (801) 363-7710
· Utah Community Action, (801) 359-2444

Mortgage Assistance (grant for 60 % AMI or below or forgivable loans above 60 % AMI, for households facing foreclosure)
· Community Development Corporation of Utah, (801) 994-7222
· NeighborWorks Salt Lake, (801) 539-1590

If you are in need of assistance you can contact the community partners directly or dial 2-1-1.

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