Ohio may forfeit millions in rent assistance

Ohio is sitting on tens of millions of {dollars} in unspent rental help it acquired in late 2020, however a division tasked with distributing it says the cash will likely be absolutely utilized quickly.

Why it issues: This can be a use-it-or-lose-it federal aid program, so Ohio’s share could possibly be forfeited if not allotted by Sept. 30.

State of play: Ohio acquired greater than half a billion {dollars} within the first spherical of Emergency Rental Help funding given to states and native governments on the top of the pandemic.

Sure, however: Ohio has been sluggish to distribute these funds as social service teams confronted pink tape and staffing shortages.

What they’re saying: Todd Walker, the chief communications officer for the Ohio Division of Growth, tells Axios this proportion is definitely a lot larger as NLIHC’s determine does not embrace more moderen spending from over the summer season.

• Walker says the state intends to spend its full share earlier than the federal deadline.

Of observe: A second spherical of funding gives an extra $496 million to Ohio, however its deadline is in 2025.

• Individually, Columbus and Franklin County acquired round $27 million and $13 million in preliminary housing help funding, respectively.
• Columbus spent its share to serve over 11,000 households because the spring of 2021, Metropolis Council deputy communications director Nya Hairston tells Axios.