Local households impacted by COVID-19 can now apply for HUD emergency housing assistance funds

Help in paying mortgage, rent and utility bills due to COVID-19 is now available for residents of Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park through HUD.

Prince William County Office of Housing and Community Development has been designated to distribute funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD, to eligible households in the three localities through the Emergency Housing Assistance Program, or EHAP.

The mortgage company, landlord, and utility company will receive the housing payment on behalf of those approved for assistance.

The goal of the program is to help prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus by providing one-time or short-term assistance to households not to exceed three consecutive months.

Funding for the program through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security, or CARES Act will help eligible households who have lost documentable income on or after March 1, 2020, directly related to stay-at-home orders (job loss/reduced hours); being sick or being the sole at-home caregiver for someone sick with COVID-19; required to stay home with their natural/adopted/legal guardian young children due to mandatory daycare and/or school closures, or other documentable reasons.

The combined annual gross income for eligible households cannot exceed 80 percent of the HUD established median income for the Metropolitan Area based upon household size. Eligible households cannot have received assistance from another federal, state, or local agency to pay mortgage/rent or utilities due to loss of income from COVID-19.

Any household wishing to receive financial assistance through the program must apply and provide all required documentation that is necessary to make an eligibility determination. Documentation needed includes, but is not limited to:

  Verification to support a claim of reduction of income, due to loss of employment or health-related issues as related to COVID-19
  Household composition
  Proof of pre-COVID-19 income for all adult household members 30-days before March 1, 2020
  Proof of all income for the last 30 days from date of submission of EHAP or other documentation of monthly income for all adult household members
  Mortgage statement(s)
  Rental lease
  Utility bills

For information or how to apply for the program go to http://www.pwcgov.org/housing The p.referred method of applying is electronically by using the portal on the website. Other options include downloading the application and submitting it through .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). For those who are unable to apply electronically or need assistance in completing the application process (to address reasonable accommodations), call 703-792-7538.