ST. LOUIS – Applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) opened less than two weeks ago and already is on the verge of closing due to popularity. So far, the program has received over 4,500 applications from eligible applicants.

What You Need To Know

  • Applications for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) will close Dec. 16 at 8 a.m.

  • FORWARD has already received 4,500 applications from eligible applicants

  • ERAP was designed to help low-income residents of St. Louis City that struggle to make rental payments, face eviction, or were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic

  • Applications may be submitted at this link

FORWARD, in a press release, said “due to the incredible amount of applications received for the St. Louis Emergency Rental Program, the application portal will close on Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, at 8 a.m.”

ERAP was designed to help low-income residents of St. Louis City that struggle to make rental payments, face eviction, or were negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. FORWARD declares the $3,311,183 in funding is “expected to be exhausted soon.” Funding originated from the Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 

ERAP will provide a one-time payment to cover overdue rental payment and prevent residents from facing evictions.

“Keeping people in their homes is vital for our community,” says Tishaura O. Jones, Mayor of the City of St. Louis. “For many families, getting evicted will only make a bad situation worse, and it can become impossible to recover from, ultimately hurting that individual/family and our community. Providing this emergency assistance makes it easier for St. Louisans to dig themselves out of a challenging situation.”

With the Dec. 16 cutoff coming Monday morning, the Department of Human Services (DHS) says the time to apply is now.

The Community Development Association says more than 35,000 city households are using over 30% of their income on rent. This detriment leaves much less available for other important expenses such as food, childcare, and transportation. Almost 5,000 city households are evicted each year.

"We recognize that access to safe, quality, and affordable housing is a human right, this COVID relief funded Emergency Rental Assistance Program is an important step toward ensuring that all city residents have a stable place to call home,” said Nahuel Fefer, Community Development Association (CDA) Executive Director.

St. Louis residents must meet the following eligibility criteria for the program:

  • One or more residents in the home face a challenge that prevents them from paying their rent on time

  • One or more people in the home can demonstrate their risk of experiencing housing instability

  • Household Income of 80% and below the Area Median Income (AMI) with homes of 50% or less AMI receiving priority

  • Applicants must be St. Louis City residents that are 18+ or be an emancipated adult 15+ (with documentation)

FORWARD is the city’s approved program administrating contractor that will assist with community outreach, application support, and eligibility screening. They’re required to complete these taxpayer paid tasks efficiently. 

Applicants will be asked:

  • To meet income requirements

  • To show proof of residency

  • To provide proof of income and identification

  • To meet geographic area requirements

  • To include information of a past due rent or eviction notice

Click here to learn more about the program. Applications may be submitted at this link.