By Peyton Stinnett
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski announced on Thursday that the county will give up to $2 million for residents who need rental assistance caused by the pandemic.
County officials will begin accepting applications on Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The $2 million funding is part of phase two of the Eviction Prevention Program the county started when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many residents to lose jobs and other income that resulted in financial instability. Some residents risked being evicted from their homes.
Olszewski said Phase one of the program helped raise $1.2 million in rental assistance for nearly 500 households in the area. The funding for this phase came from the county’s Coronavirus Relief Funds and Emergency Assistance to Families with Children through the Department of Social Services, he said.
“We have to do all we can to help families across Baltimore County who are struggling as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring that our neighbors can keep their housing is a critical part of that process,” Olszewski said.
Baltimore County residents can apply for the program if they qualify for assistance, officials said. Residents can see if they are qualified for the program when they fill out the application on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The funding for phase two comes from community-based organizations that have partnered with the county, Olszewski said.
“I’m proud of the work we have already done to prevent evictions and I’m thankful to all our community partners for their support as we begin the next step in these efforts,” Olszewski said.