Federal Ban on Evictions Expires at the End of July: How Douglas County Renters Can Prepare

The looming fear is that if renters don’t soon get the help they need, it could prompt a major spike in homelessness in and around the Omaha metro area. Photo Credit: Erik Mclean

By Jonathan Short

President Joe Biden extended the federal eviction moratorium to the end of July, but it’s expected to be the last such extension— impacting many renters in Douglas County who have been financially knocked down by the pandemic. When the eviction ban comes to a close, landlords will have the authority to file eviction notices against tenants who are still behind on rent. 

In an interview with WOWT, Scott Mertz, an attorney with Legal Aid of Nebraska, said the number of evictions is expected to jump after the moratorium ends, but it’s not clear by how much. The looming fear is that if renters don’t soon get the help they need, it could prompt a major spike in homelessness in and around the Omaha metro area.  

In March 2021, the Omaha City Council announced $22.2 million of rental assistance would be provided exclusively to renters in Douglas County and within the Omaha city limits. This money was put in the hands of Metro Area Continuum of Care for the Homeless (MACCH) by the City Council to distribute amongst qualified renters. 

For those living outside city limits in Douglas County; areas like Bennington, Ralston and Valley, there is a separate pool of money for renters in need of help. Christian Outreach Program- Elkhorn (COPE) was given $4.1 million from Douglas County to distribute amongst renters in those communities. 

In an interview conducted by NOISE, Jane Gordon, the Program Director at COPE, said, “There is still plenty of money left for renters in need.” According to Gordon, 20 percent of the $4.1 million given to COPE by Douglas County has been disbursed to renters so far; roughly $800,000. 

The Biden Administration has stated distribution of these allocated funds has been a slow process nationwide. In contrast to the simpleness and efficiency of stimulus checks being deposited directly into bank accounts, a plethora of paperwork is needed to receive rental assistance. Resources are available to those struggling to pay rent and utilities, but the issue has been communicating with the public to let them know help is there. 

“We need people to be aware there is assistance,” said Gordon and added, “we need them to know we’re willing to work with them.” Gordon noted many applicants are intimidated by all the paperwork, but she insists the employees at COPE and MACCH are willing to walk renters through the process if necessary.

Another hurdle Douglas County renters are having to jump is finding the correct application to fill out, as MACCH and COPE have separate applications depending on the specific area. “The truth is, many people don’t know if they’re inside the city limits,” said Gordon. She added the best way to find out is to visit COPE’s website or MACCH’s website. Both sites are using the same Geographic Information System tool to send Douglas County residents to the correct application. To find the correct application, renters seeking assistance just need to click the “Check my Address” tab and enter their address. 

Once renters have reached their respective application, the most important part of the process is providing all of the required documentation. Gordon said that many people are beginning to fill out the application but leaving out required information, and then it just sits there unfinished. “We can get applications processed in a week if a renter uploads the necessary information,” said Gordon. “It very much depends on how quickly they get all their information on the site.”

To qualify for rental assistance through COPE or MACCH, renters must reside in Douglas County, have been financially impacted by COVID-19, have a household income below 80 percent of the area median income, and be in immediate danger of homelessness. In regard to being financially impacted by COVID-19, there does seem to be a misconception surrounding what that means. Gordon explained that even if you are back on strong financial footing after a rough year with the pandemic, you can still receive help to cover missed payments from the past year. 

Qualified applicants are eligible for up to 12 months of back rent and 3 months in advance from both COPE and MACCH. If renters have already applied and received rental assistance, they can apply again after 90 days. 

Although the end of July is rapidly approaching, renters still have the opportunity to relieve the financial burden brought on by the pandemic, but the time to act is now.

For Douglas County Residents within Omaha city limits, click here.

For Douglas County Residents outside Omaha city limits, click here.