The city of Portland is making half a million dollars in CARES Act funds available to help Portland renters affected by COVID-19.City Housing and Community Development Director Mary Davis says the rental assistance is part of just over $1 million the city received in supplemental Community Development Block Grant funding through the CARES Act that the city will use to meet a variety of needs.
Davis says the program will provide up to $750 a month for three months, with as much as $250 total to help pay utility bills.
"We decided on the $750 number knowing that would not necessarily cover 100% of one month's rent," Davis says. "But we wanted to be able to provide the help that would fill a large portion of those rental needs."
Davis says the hope is that the CARES Act funds will provide rental assistance to around 200 households.
Guidelines and eligibility requirements are available on the city of Portland's website.