Rental Assistance

St. Louis County officials have until the end of the month to distribute about $8 million more in federal rental aid. If the county does not do so, the money will be returned to the federal government.

The measure replaces the national moratorium from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court on Aug. 26.

Some renters in the St. Louis region could be put out of their homes soon now that the U.S. Supreme Court has lifted a federal ban on evictions. Housing advocates expect a wave of evictions if state and local officials do not process renters' aid applications soon.

St. Louis and St. Louis County judges on Friday rescinded eviction moratoriums aimed at keeping people in their homes. Attorneys for people who face evictions in the region say moratoriums kept families from being displaced during a public health crisis.

Some renters in the St. Louis region cannot pay rent because they lost their income during the economic crisis sparked by the coronavirus pandemic. But landlords also are struggling, and without rent payments they may have to evict people after the federal ban on evictions expires in early October.

People who are behind in rent and face eviction can apply for assistance at pop-up rental aid clinics across St. Louis. Horizon Housing Development Co. in south St. Louis and Wohl Recreation Center in north St. Louis will accept walk-ins.

Housing advocates say city officials must release rental aid quickly to help people who are behind on their rent stay in their homes during a public health crisis.

St. Louis County received nearly $30 million in federal funds to help people pay back rent and utilities. The money is aimed at helping people who lost income during the coronavirus pandemic.

Illinois is launching a $1.5 billion federally funded housing assistance program for Illinoisians hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illinois is starting to award grants to renters to help them catch up on late payments. But the need far outpaces the funding available and more than 50...