Thousands of Kansas City-area renters can qualify for help with utility bills and rent. But you need to apply now.

Millions of dollars are available through the Emergency Rent and Utility Assistance Program to provide relief to households as the nation recovers from the pandemic. The program is designed for renters only.

How to apply:

• Kansas City residents can apply by going to gkcassistanceprogram.org.

• Jackson County residents outside of Kansas City can apply at jacksoncountyerap.org/application.

Who can apply:

An eligible renter:

• Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19;

• Has demonstrated a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and

• Has a household income at or below 80% of the area median income.

Help available:

• Past due rent back to April 1, 2020

• Forward payment of rent for up to 3 months

• Past due utilities back to April 1, 2020

LINC provides contacts to many social services and emergency relief resources including food resources, Covid-19 vaccine and testing information, legal aid, and other resources at kclinc.org/help.