WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. - More money is on the way to help people in Maryland who could be evicted. The Centers for Disease Control has put a stop to evictions during the pandemic, but only for people who qualify. That's why Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico County, a non-profit housing organization, is getting out the word that evictions can be prevented.
Molly Hilligoss with Habitat for Humanity of Wicomico county says you can still get evicted during the pandemic. "The ones that called here have children, scool-aged children, babies, we're very concerned. The shelters don't have that much space," said Hilligoss, the Executive Director.
But here's why. According to the CDC, tenants must show proof that they have received rental assistance, and as Hilligoss says applicants are getting denied that assistance for several reasons.
"The funding is very specific. It will only fund applicants that can provide evidence from their employers that they lost hours or that they were laid off. So people who were already unemployed prior to COVID they would not qualify, folks on disability, or folks who had a family member pass away and it was not COVID related and now their income is less they are not eligible," added Hilligoss.
Salisbury Neighborhood Housing also tells WRDE "Some people did not qualify because their delinquency was not related to a loss of income specifically due to COVID-19. A few applicants did not qualify as they were over the household income limit to qualify,".
According to the Wicomico county sheriffs office, 74 families have been evicted since sheriffs resumed evictions in August.
Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced Monday morning $19 million in eviction prevention partnership grants, $900,000 of which will go to Wicomico county.
Hilligoss adds that failing to go to court is also a mistake.
"If you've received a failure to pay rent notice from the court system and you've applied for rental assistance and your landlord says you don't have to go to court that is incorrect. If you received a notice from the court, you need to go. The judge needs to hear your story," explained Hilligoss.
She also emphasizes that regardless of the circumstances, communication with your landlord is vital.
"Landlords that we've been talking to, they've been really eager to help their tenants. So I want to encourage their landlord as soon as they think they're gonna be late and come up with a payment plan. Make an effort," said Hilligoss.
Maryland Residents: If you are struggling to pay rent you can find assistance here --> https://dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/COVID-19RentalTenantsGuidance.aspx
Delaware Residents: If you are struggling to pay rent you can find assistance here --> http://www.destatehousing.com/OtherPrograms/ot_dehap.php
Virginia Residents: If you are struggling to pay rent you can find assistance here --> https://www.vhda.com/about/Pages/VH-COVID19.aspx