RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Program Description:  The purpose of this service is to provide emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness, and/or establish permanent housing for residence of Columbus and Franklin County. This program is for customers that has past due rental/mortgage cost, or first month’s rent due for a new home/apartment.

Intake Process:  Appointments can be made HERE. Once the appointment is made, the customer will come into the office where we will collect the documentation.  Once documentation is collected, an IMPACT Rep will complete the application via phone interview and will provide the customer with next steps. The turnaround time is 21-30 business days.  

You can apply here:

  • IMPACT representatives are serving those on the docket for Eviction Court

  • Apply Online Here

  • If you have an active application, please contact us at (614) 252-2799. 

WHO QUALIFIES?
Households with one or more residents that have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.

WHAT do I need to bring? WHAT should I expect?

Applicants will need to complete/provide the following during appointment:

  • Client Intake Form  

  • Documentation of hardship – directly, or indirectly related to the pandemic

  • Copies of Social Security Cards, or verification for each household member (optional, if available)

  • Proof of income for household members 18 years or older for a minimum of the past 30 days (80% AMI)

  • Lease Agreement – signed by landlord & applicant identifying unit & established rental payment amount

Landlords will need to provide

  • Landlord verification/proof of ownership (and property management agreement, if applicable)

  • Completed and Signed Landlord Agreement to receive funds

  • Completed and Signed W9

  • Arrearages – Eviction or past due rent notice (Should include total amount due, including fees)

Utility Assistance (in addition to above)

  • Start your application here

  • Copy of utility bill demonstrating shut off, is in disconnection status or past due status

Program Benefits:  The program provides a benefit on average of $3,000, provided all eligibility requirements are met and supporting documentation is provided.   If your rental amount is over $3,000, your case subjected to review by IMPACT to determine if other funds are available to assist you. 

What Program Covers? Past Due Rental Payments; 1st Month’s Rent

What Program Doesn’t Cover?  There is a limit on fees, utilities, attorney fees based upon the funding source.  *IMPACT Rep coordinating their application will inform them in detail what we can and cannot fund.

How Can The General Public Apply For Service: Customers can either call 614-964-2906. Limited appointments are available.

When Does the Program Start/End? Currently this program is a year-long program with limited appointments.


NEW FOR 2023: IMPACT WILL NO LONGER MAIL CHECKS.

PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE VIA ACH OR CHECKS CAN BE PICKED UP IN PERSON AT IMPACT.