Rental Assistance Available Through County Program

Help in paying rent for low-income residents is available from the Somerset County Homelessness Trust Fund.

The fund’s Rental Assistance Program will provide up to 15 months of assistance and case management to help them increase their chances of staying within teh county, according to a press release about the program.

The program pays a subsidy – up to $300 per month – to pay the difference between household rent and 30 percent of the client’s income, the release said.

“This program is a tremendous benefit to working families who are struggling with their housing costs,” Freeholder Patricia Walsh, trust fund liaison, said in the release.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they will be able to afford the housing without rental assistance within 15 months, according to the release. To qualify, all adult members of the household must be working at least 30 hours per week, have a formal lease at a rate that is lower than the fair-market rent, and be within the following income limits:

• One Person – $51,500
• Two People – $58,800
• Three People – $66,200
• Four People – $73,500
• Five People – $79,400
• Six People – $85,300

In addition, program participants must complete a monthly household budget, must maintain monthly contact with the Program Case Manager; and must be willing to accept case management services that include financial management, employment or any other services that are deemed necessary for one to maintain permanent housing, according to the release.

Applicants who meet the criteria will be served on a first-come, first-served basis after being screened by the County Community Development Office.  For more information call the office at (908) 541-5756 or go to http://bit.ly/RentalApplic2014 for an application form.  Applications may be dropped off or mailed.

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