FRESNO, CA – The City of Fresno has received 15.8 million dollars from the federal government to help residents pay for housing and utility costs.

The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program will help tenants who are past due on their rent and in desperate need of financial assistance. Eligible residents must provide proof they have been impacted by the pandemic and certain conditions may apply.

The funds were part of the most current stimulus bill and are separate from the CARES Act funding.

Mayor Jerry Dyer expects the grant to help thousands of residents who are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.

The money was deposited Wednesday by the Treasury Department and city leaders will work to distribute the funds during the next several weeks.

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“The Emergency Assistance Rental Program could not have come at a better time. These funds will help thousands of Fresno residents avoid being evicted and facing the possibility of becoming homeless. It will also give landlords the opportunity to be made whole. I will be working closely with our City Council to get these funds into the hands of those in need as quickly as possible,” said Mayor Dyer.

Fresno City Council President Luis Chavez said, “I want to thank our partners at the federal level for this investment to make sure vulnerable communities can stay in their homes. Our city is predominately made up of essential workers that literally fed our state and nation. These resources will go a long way in providing a hand up for our residents during this pandemic.”