On Mondy, Gov. Steve Bullock added to his previous directive that temporarily suspends certain evictions, foreclosures and service disconnections in Montana by creating a program to provide rental assistance to households experiencing substantial financial hardship due to COVID-19.
A press release from the Governor's Office said the program will also include relief funds designated specifically for households with children eligible for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.
“COVID-19 is taking a significant economic toll on families, businesses and our entire state, and finding ways to mitigate those hardships is one of my top priorities,” Gov. Bullock said. “For families that can’t make their housing payment right now because they’ve lost income due to COVID-19, this Directive will help prevent a months-long rent backlog from coming due all at once.”
The Department of Commerce will announce details on eligibility and the application process on or before April 17, 2020, according to the press release.
State officials are also looking at options for non-TANF-eligible families, including federal CARES Act relief money.
