Local groups offer eviction prevention aid

Assistance to prevent eviction is being offered to Hancock County residents through Hope House and funds provided by a variety of local organizations. Eligible households can receive either a one-time, flat-rate rent payment or up to three months of decreasing rental assistance. Landlords or tenants interested in obtaining assistance should call Hope House at 419-427-2848. "The idea is to create one resource that people who are facing a housing issue will be able to go to," said Laurie Poland, development director for Hope House. The eviction prevention funds and emergency rental assistance are available through grants from the Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation, United Way of Hancock County, Community Action Commission and Ohio Development Services Agency. The money was awarded to the Eviction Prevention Task Force, which includes Findlay Hope House, Habitat for Humanity of Findlay/Hancock County, Hancock County Metropolitan Housing Authority, Legal Aid of Western Ohio and HHWP/Community Action Commission. Funding also includes plans to eventually establish a Housing Help Line through the Hancock Helps website. The Eviction Prevention Task Force was formed to stabilize rental housing during the pandemic by providing critical rental assistance, preventing evictions that are a direct result of the crisis. As the lead housing agency, Hope House will be administering the funds. The coronavirus pandemic has moved many residents from middle income to low income, with many residents seeking assistance for the first time. Eviction prevention is designed to help ensure more families will not stay in the low-income bracket long term, further burdening the nonprofit sector. The grant provides an additional layer of emergency rental assistance that is vital for allowing people to stay in their homes.