Today, there are still many Illinoisans negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has drastically changed how we live, but the most devastation has occurred in vulnerable populations. This pandemic has only exacerbated the existing social ills affecting these populations. Many continue to struggle with employment, childcare, housing, and food security. Even though Governor Pritzker has extended the Illinois eviction moratorium, many Illinoisans will still face eviction once it is over.
As of September 15, 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court has announced the Court-Based Rental Assistance Program. This program will provide relief for Illinoisans who are on the brink of being homeless due to COVID-19. According to the Illinois Bar Association, “this Court-Based Rental Assistance Program (CBRAP) is now available to tenants and landlords across the state. This program will act as a safety net for litigants who are on the brink of eviction. As a condition of receiving rental assistance (from the CBRAP as well as the other rental assistance programs), landlords agree not to evict the tenant for nonpayment of the rent that is repaid.[1]”
The American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act will fund this program. Equally, this program will assist both landlords and renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Those who qualify can receive up to 12 months’ past due rent. Please click here for more information.
Homelessness impacts all areas of a child’s life. Therefore, let’s do what we can and tell members in our faith communities and others how this program can provide secure housing for our most vulnerable children.
contributed by
Rev. Beverly Dukes, UVC Policy Coordinator
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[1] Timothy A. Slating, “Illinois Supreme Court Announces $60 Million Court-Based Rental Assistance Program” Illinois State Bar Association, accessed September 22, 2021, https://www.isba.org/barnews/2021/09/illinoissupremecourtannounces60mill