THA To Offer Emergency Rental Assistance For Tulsans In Need

Those living in Tulsa County who lost their job during the pandemic and need help paying for rent can now apply for assistance.

The Tulsa Housing Authority said several hundred people have applied for aid in just the last couple of days. The $15 million in aid comes from the federal CARES Act.

The THA said eligible renters can get up to three months of past due rent, with a $3,000 cap.

Renters need to be older than 18 and be on the lease plus prove they have been impacted by the pandemic.

Jeff Hall with THA said the money will be given right to landlords.

"Obviously, we all experienced here in Tulsa how the economy just shut down, particularly in May, we saw the service sector, hospitality and healthcare greatly impacted with the shutdown," Hall said.

Hall said they're seeing people who're still trying to catch up on payments from a few months ago. The THA is also seeing more people who've had hours and pay cut.

"I think this pandemic just really exacerbated the need that many families have, particularly for our most vulnerable, or those who are on the cusp of being evicted or being homeless, I think this has made it much worse," Hall said.

So far, they've received more than 600 applications, with a total of $1.5 million in rent aid.

Tulsa County Commissioner Stan Sallee said they partnered with THA to "ease the burden and keep families from facing eviction during a pandemic and economic downtown that is outside of their control." He said they're elated this program will "positively impact the lives of many in Tulsa County."

Applications for the rent assistance are are open through next Friday.