COVID-19 Rental Assistance
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) will administer the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Program through its network of local nonprofit agencies including Benton Harbor Emergency Shelter Services starting March 15th, 2021. CERA can provide rental and utility assistance for eligible renter households so that they retain their housing stability.
Who is eligible?
CERA can serve renter households that have incomes less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) and have experienced hardship due directly or indirectly to the coronavirus outbreak.
How to apply:
To start the online application, either the Tenant or the Landlord can initiate the process. The Tenant or Landlord will need to enter the Tenant’s name, Tenant’s email address, Landlord’s email address and Tenant’s address. This will initiate emails to both the Tenant and Landlord for them to complete the portion of the application. Service agencies will communicate via email with the Tenant and Landlord if additional information is needed. The Tenant and Landlord will receive notice via email when the case is processed and how much has been approved.
Questions: Send inquiries to CERA@EmergencyShelterServices.org
or call the CERA Team at 269-277-5055.