Rental Assistance In Limbo

Madison County Rent Assistance

Time is running out for madison county residents financially affected by the covid pandemic.

The good news is, there are millions of dollars in federal funding for people who are unable to pay their rent.

The bad news - those funds are not being used.

Waay 31's sophia borrelli joins us now.

Sophia what's the hold up?

Pat, marie, the county commission is still figuring out a plan on how to distribute those funds.

District 6 commissioner violet edwards secured the 5.2 million dollar grant back in january.

A plan was ready to be voted on by the commission on march third.

But -- that did not happen.

The commission held a special work session to discuss the plan and suggest changes yesterday.

Several commissioners want the funds to only apply to county residents who are not living in city limits.

That's because the city has its own grant.

One resident who attended the meeting is nervous this delay may lead to a spike in homelessness.

We have missed the mark on taking care of those persons that need services.

None of us, none of us asked for covid, but we're all here trying to operate in spite of."

The county commission's next meeting is march 17... where they could vote on the proposal.

Live in madison, sophia borrelli waay 31 news.

Thanks sophia.

Huntsville already approved a plan to administer its grant funding.

Applications are set to open up soon.