WASHINGTON, D.C. [10/121/22] — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith (Both D-Minn.), announced over $8 million in funding for a key rental assistance program that will help Minnesotans struggling to pay rent. The additional funding is made possible by the American Rescue Plan, which both Klobuchar and Smith helped pass last year.
“Far too many households across our state are struggling to afford the high costs of housing. Families should not have to choose between paying their rent and paying for other essential necessities,” said Klobuchar. “This critical rental assistance will enable more Minnesotans to remain in their homes and enjoy the safety and stability that affordable housing provides.”
“Without access to housing, nothing else in your life works. Not your job, your health, your education or your family,” said Smith. “Emergency rental assistance has been a critical lifeline for tens of thousands of households in Minnesota during the pandemic. I am very glad to see more of this funding, made possible by the American Rescue Plan, come to our state and help thousands of Minnesotans stay in their homes.”
The pandemic exacerbated the nationwide housing affordability crisis, putting more Minnesotans at risk of eviction or foreclosure, and making it more difficult for unhoused individuals to secure housing. In response, the American Rescue Plan Act provided substantial housing relief, including the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program.
The Emergency Rental Assistance program makes funding available to assist households that are unable to pay rent or utilities. Through two rounds of ERA funding, Minnesota has received $690 million, securing assistance for nearly 78,000 households. This additional $8 million in ERA funding will help ensure thousands of Minnesotans struggling to meet the cost of housing are able to stay in their homes.
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