STEPS Receives Grant to Help with Rent and Mortgage

FARMVILLE — Has COVID-19 crippled your ability to pay rent or mortgage? Are you behind on payments?

The Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program could be an oasis in a pandemic storm.

STEPS Inc., headquartered in Farmville, has received federal grant funding through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development to serve those struggling to financially stay afloat. Amelia, Buckingham, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward counties are eligible for help through STEPS with past due rent or mortgage payments.

“The ripple from the economic shutdown continues to force economically challenged individuals and families to make tough financial decisions. This program is designed to support and ensure housing stability during the pandemic,” explained STEPS President and CEO Sharon Harrup.

“We are delighted that we were able to secure grant funds to help those in need weather the storm.” 

The Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program provides financial assistance for qualifying households for one-time rent or mortgage payments that are past due. Recipients will be able to apply for additional assistance provided funding is available, there is a continued need and they remain eligible.

Recipients must have a valid lease or mortgage statement in their name or other documentation confirming the landlord-tenant relationship, have experienced a loss of income due to the pandemic, have a letter from your landlord or mortgage lender as to your months and amounts behind, have a rent or mortgage that is at or below 150 percent of fair market rent, and have a gross household income at or below 80 percent of area median income.

“This is a program that could help someone who has been laid off from work, had their place of employment closed, experienced a cut in work hours, or must stay home to care for children due to the closure of school—the list goes on,” emphasized STEPS’ Vice President of Workforce Development, Christin Jackson. “This is basically for anyone who has lost income due to the Coronavirus pandemic and has fallen behind on their rent or mortgage.”

If you meet these requirements and live in the six-county area and are interested in seeking assistance through the program, please call 434-315-5909 ext. 215 to set up an appointment. Due to the extremely high call volume, please leave your name and number and we will return your call no later than the close of business the following day.