The State’s moratorium on eviction proceedings related to the pandemic is expected to lift today. Help may be at hand for Providence residents: Mayor Elorza has announced that $1-million is being made available in rental assistance and legal aid to residents in danger of eviction. Funding comes from the CARES Act, the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development assistance, and the Providence Housing Trust. From the ProJo:
The initiative, aimed at assisting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents and keeping them in stable housing, is a collaboration between the city, Crossroads Rhode Island, Rhode Island Legal Services, and the Rhode Island Center for Justice. It comes as the state’s moratorium on eviction proceedings related to the pandemic is expected to lift July 1.
“We’re looking to support our tenants. We’re looking to support our landlords,” Elorza said.
“If we want to stop this pandemic … then we have to keep people in their homes,” he continued.
For legal assistance:
To seek legal assistance for eviction proceedings, residents in both private market rentals and public housing can call the R.I. Center for Justice at 401-491-1101 or Rhode Island Legal Services at 401-274-2652. Requests will be screened for eligibility and accepted on a rolling basis.
Go to the online screening tool at Housing Help RI to confirm your eligibility and start the process.
Residents who want to learn more can attend a virtual info session at 6pm, July 14. Go to the Covid-19 Housing Resource Guide.