By Ammie Ruddle
With the pandemic hitting the economy hard, and the price of food, fuel, and overall cost of living on the rise, West Virginia residents can apply for assistance with rent, mortgage, and basic utilities.
The Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program, MRAP, and the Homeowners Rescue Program, HRP, are two programs residents can apply for if they find themselves dealing with a COVID-19 hardship.
MRAP will assist renters with paying rent for up to 18 months. Either a renter or a landlord can apply for this program.
HRP is a newly developed program “only a couple of months old” according to Jessica Greathouse, a representative who works for the WV Housing Development Fund. “This program was created to help homeowners with their mortgage, utilities, and even taxes if needed.”
Greathouse spoke about the programs saying that, “applying is easy, only about 30 minutes or so to complete the application” and “the programs are income based, but don’t be afraid to apply.”
According to Greathouse, they have “only received two applications from renters in Pendleton County” to date and are trying to “get the word out to residents about the programs.” Greathouse said, “the state has about $200 million in these programs to assist West Virginia residents and assistance is not limited to these programs. Another group that offers assistance is WV for Ending Homelessness, WVCEH. This program will assist residents who are homeless in finding and paying for housing. There are also $300 internet stipends that can be given to residents to help pay for the internet so that they (WV residents) can do things such as apply for government assistance.”
To apply for any of these programs or to search for help with other programs please go to www.WVHDF.com.
