Financial Help Available For Renters Affected By COVID-19

Posted June 24, 2021

Are you behind on your rent because of the coronavirus pandemic?

Financial help is available for people in Missouri.

The Missouri Housing Development Commission is partnering with 13 groups across the state to distribute millions of dollars under the government’s American Recovery Plan.

You can call OACAC, Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, or Legal Services of Southern Missouri for help with your application.

We have more on how to apply below.

Press Release

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) has partnered with 13 non-profit social service, regional housing stability and legal aid agencies to help distribute 2020 American Rescue Plan funds of $324 million, and soon-to-be released 2021, American Recovery Plan funds of $269 million earmarked for those behind on rent and utilities. By partnering with these local service organizations, tenants and rental property owners can receive assistance with preparing and submitting applications for assistance and get quicker relief in their own local communities. MHDC is encouraging additional non-profit, community-based organizations to became partners through their open Request for Proposal.

“Keeping Missourians in their homes is our highest priority,” said Kip Stetzler, MHDC executive director. “The Missouri State Assistance for Housing Relief (SAFHR) program provides money for rent and utilities for up to 12 months going back to April 2020 and for up to three months in the future. The money is paid directly to either the rental property owner or the utility company.”

These funds are designed to help Missouri tenants stay in their homes by getting them caught up on past due rent and utilities. Due to federal requirements, certain eligibility documents must be uploaded or provided. The typical application process takes approximately three to four weeks. People needing help can apply online at MOHousingResources.com or by phone at 833-541-1599. Spanish speaking representatives are also available to assist by phone. In addition, the 13 social service organizations can assist tenants and landlords with preparing and submitting applications, Missouri residents can apply for the SAFHR program assistance with any of the following organizations:

St. Louis and Eastern Missouri

Eastern Missouri Action Agency – www.eastmoaa.org – 573-431-5191/800/392-8663
St. Louis Mediation Project – www.stlmediationproject.org – 314-833-0226
Employment Connection – www.employmentstl.org – 314-333-5627

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri* – www.lsem.org – 314-534-4200/800-444-0514
(*Servicing only legal clients)

Kansas City and Western Missouri

Restart, Inc. – www.restartinc.org – 816-472-5664
Reconciliation Services – www.rs3101.org – 816-931-4751

Central Missouri

Missouri Ozarks Community Action – http://mocaonline.org – 573-765-3263

Love Columbia – www.lovecolumbiamo.org – 573-256-7662
Salvation Army Columbia – www.centralusa.salvationarmy.org/midland/columbia 573-442-3229 ext. 240

Southern Missouri

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri – www.ccsomo.org – 417-268-9998

Cape Girardeau: 573-335-0905

Joplin: 417-624-3790

Sikeston: 573-481-0659

Van Buren/Poplar Bluff: 573-323-4044