HIT Foundation administers rental assistance grants of up to $5,000 in Preble County

Preble County officials have announced that $400,000 in rental assistance funds have been received for local tenants in need. The HIT Foundation has partnered with Preble County to ensure that funds reach lower income families who can most benefit from rental help.

HIT Foundation will be administering $400,000 in funding that has been earmarked towards rental assistance programs in Preble County. Rental assistance programs will be offered to lower income families and individuals who have experienced financial hardships that could result in a potential eviction.

Tenant Based Rental Assistance

If you qualify, you could receive the lesser of $5,000 or 12 months of rental assistance. Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) could be used for security deposits for a rental unit as well as for utility connections.

However, the most common use for (TBRA) funds is to provide a subsidy that effectively lowers your monthly rent. The expectation is that the rental assistance can allow you to make some improvements in your life that will eventually allow you to live without additional assistance in the future. You can get help now so that you can focus on improving your income and/or paying off debt.

Emergency Monthly Housing Payments

HIT Foundation received $35,000 in funds to be used towards helping households meet rent for up to 3 months. Security deposits on rent and utilities are also eligible uses for the funds if you qualify.

Home Repair Program

Homeowners could also benefit from the Home Repair program. Up to $9,000 may be received to fix major issues, such as structural faults, plumbing or heating units.

Reduced Rent Homes

As a part of its programs, HIT Foundation also provides reduced rent housing that can reduce your monthly rent payments. If you are admitted into the program and matched with an available unit, you will pay no more than 30% of your income in rent. In general, reduced rent apartments and homes tend to have a waiting list lasting for months or years.

The agency also received other funds to publicize fair housing policies among landlords and tenants. This can help reduce problems that might otherwise lead to evictions.

If you live outside of Eaton City and believe that your household meets the definition of lower income, then you might be eligible for rental assistance. Still, you should call the agency at 937-472-0500 to inquire, since there may be extenuating circumstances that might increase your qualifications for assistance. As opposed to high-interest loans, HIT Foundation uses grants to provide real rental assistance that never must be repaid by the tenant.