Webb City officials have been asked to help alert renters and landlords to the fact that funds are available to pay back rent and utility bills for up to 12 months.

A program known as Missouri SAFHR (State Assistance For Housing Relief) provides rent and utility assistance for eligible residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It covers up to 12 months going back to April 2020 and for up to three months in the future.

Accepted utility costs include gas, elelctric, water and sewer, fuel (propane, wood, etc.) and trash.

Approved payments will go directly to landlords and utility companies.

Eligible households include those in which:

At least one member has been financially impacted as a result of the pandemic.

They are at risk of being evicted or having their utilities shut off.

Income doesn’t exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (which is $45,350 for a family of four in Jasper County).

Click here for SAFHR application instructions.

Landlords who participate in the program must agree not to evict the tenant for non-payment of rent for 120 days from the date of application submission.

SAFHR is being administered by the Missouri Housing Development Commission, which has allocated $15 million in CARES Act Emergency Solutions Grant funds to help tenants and landlords.

MHDC has another $13.3 million to award to nonprofit corporations that provide services for homeless people and to prevent homelessness.