As Moratorium Is Lifted Hundreds Apply for Emergency Housing Assistance

The virus’ effect on Montana’s economy and the personal finances of residents has been widespread. More than 95,000 people filed initial unemployment claims in Montana over the last two months. 

More than a billion dollars that Montana received from the CARES Act, roughly $67 million has been earmarked for housing assistance programs run by local, state, and federal authorities.

On Tuesday evening, the Department of Commerce released the first round of funding for 16 applicants, totaling roughly $20,000 out of the $50 million available under the program. 

“We expected to see a spike, there’s nothing in the law that forces landlords to wait,” said Amy Hall, with Montana Legal Services Association.

Evaluating whether a tenant or a homeowner is eligible for assistance can present a quandary, said Amy Hall of the Montana Legal Services Association. 

“There are so many gray areas. If I were the reviewer, I wouldn’t hold on too tightly to those federal funds early on,” Hall said.

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