Fresno Receives Over $15M To Help Residents Pay Rent And Utilities

The City of Fresno has received nearly $16 million in federal funding that will help residents struggling during the pandemic to pay for housing and utility bills.

Exactly $15.8 million in federal COVID-19 rental and housing relief is being sent to Fresno and will go out to residents within the next few weeks.

The money comes from the federal CARES Act. The Emergency Rental Assitance (ERA) program will help distribute the funds to tenants that are past due on their rent or in need of financial assistance.

"These funds will help thousands of Fresno residents avoid being evicted and facing the possibility of becoming homeless," said Mayor Jerry Dyer. "It will also give landlords the opportunity to be made whole."

The additional CARES Act funds were deposited by the U.S. Treasury on Wednesday, January 20, according to KGPE.

"Our city is predominately made up of essential workers that literally fed our state and nation," said Fresno City Council President Luis Chavez. "These resources will go a long way in providing a hand up for our residents during this pandemic."

Those eligible for the program will need to provide proof that they have been financially affected by the pandemic to receive help. City officials also say other conditions may apply.

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