Oakland County Has Nearly $4M In CARES Act Funding On The Ready

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Nearly $4 million in rent, mortgage and utility assistance is available for some Oakland County residents whose payments are overdue due to hardships they encountered amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The Oakland County Neighborhood and Housing Development Division said Monday it is accepting applications for one-time grants online until all funds are gone.

“As we emerge from the dire health consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, we know that economic recovery is just beginning for many of our neighbors,” Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said. “This program is intended to provide assistance for basic housing needs which are fundamental for our residents to get back on their feet and feel secure moving forward.”

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners and Coulter have allocated $3.9 million in CARES Act money in this third round of rent, mortgage and utility assistance to cover late gas, water, or electric bills or mortgage, rent, or association fees that are in arrears.

Oakland County residents who have a household income less than 80 percent of the area median income, an inability to pay due to a temporary job loss, reduced work hours, or other income hardships that have been caused by COVID-19 and who have not received assistance from any other source for the same activity and period of time as requested through this program are qualified.

County officials said there is no maximum benefit. The Oakland County Neighborhood and Housing Development Division will review applications on a first-come, first-served, first qualified basis.