The Magnolia, a 65-unit affordable housing building, will be constructed on the site of the old Public Safety building in downtown Salt Lake City. (PHOTO: John Wojcik, KSL Newsradio.)
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall announced Tuesday that the city will add $1.1 million to existing housing assistance programs for residents in financial crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Undocumented residents are also eligible to receive funding.
The city says the extra money will help ease the burden of those affected by the lapse in the federal eviction moratorium and the expiration of additional unemployment benefits.
“Salt Lake City is committed to dedicating as much as we can to efforts that benefit families still struggling from job loss or income instability — especially those who have yet to receive federal stimulus dollars,” said Mendenhall. “Housing is, of course, a top priority, and we’re glad we were able to allocate more funding to help transition individuals experiencing homelessness into permanent housing, and also help those struggling to pay their rent or mortgage.”
The funds will be split between three separate programs focused on re-housing, rental assistance and mortgage assistance.
“Many Americans are one paycheck away from homelessness, and this issue disproportionately affects our communities of color,” said Lani Eggertsen-Goff, Director of the City’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Division.
Eggertsen-Goff said this year, the need for housing assistance has grown dramatically. “This additional funding will make a big difference in the lives of individuals and families,” said Eggertsen-Goff.
For those in need of rapid re-housing, specifically people or households experiencing homelessness:
The Road Home, (801) 359-4142
Rapid re-housing is also eligible for those who make less than 50% of the area median income.
Individuals or households in need of rental assistance due to eviction notices:
Asian Association of Utah, (801) 467-6060
Catholic Community Services, (801) 363-7710
Utah Community Action, (801) 359-2444
People who make 60% or less of the area median income are also eligible for assistance.
Households or individuals in need of mortgage assistance and facing foreclosure:
Community Development Corporation of Utah, (801) 994-7222
NeighborWorks Salt Lake, (801) 539-1590
Those who make less than 60% of the area median income are eligible for a grant. A forgivable loan may be available for those who make above the area median income.
Agencies have translation services available to ensure language barriers are not an obstacle to obtaining services.