Manatee County officials are urging local residents to take steps now to be ready for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERA) that will assist renters who are delinquent on rent and who need financial assistance as a result of financial losses from the COVID-19. Applications will open Feb. 16 at mymanatee.org/renthelp for the program that aims to distribute $12 million in grants for rent and landlord-paid utilities for much of 2021. Eligible renters may receive grant funds for up to 12 months of assistance, if needed, through November 2021, whichever is less. Funds will be paid directly to the landlord for delinquent rent bills. "There have been so many negative local impacts from the global pandemic, but we believe this new Emergency Rental Assistance program will go a long way in helping vulnerable people remain sustainably housed," said Karen Stewart, Manatee County Deputy County Administrator. "We expect ERA funds to help up to 1,500 households each month for much of 2021, but the key for those people to receive assistance is to prepare now." 

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