NH Delegation Announces Over $3.5M in Additional ERA2 Rental Assistance
**The U.S. Department of Treasury’s supplemental funds follows the congressional delegation’s appeal in October to provide additional federal assistance to the State**
(Manchester, NH) — U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) led the New Hampshire congressional delegation in announcing $3,593,327 from the U.S. Department of Treasury for the State of New Hampshire through the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. These funds, allocated under the ERA2 program created by congressional Democrats’ American Rescue Plan Act, assists New Hampshire renters with rent and other housing expenses, including energy and utility costs.
“The housing crisis continues to be a top challenge facing Granite Staters, with particularly brutal consequences during the intense winter season. I’m hopeful this $3.6 million in additional federal funds will make a real difference by delivering essential aid to keep Granite State families housed. I’ll continue working with frontline housing organizations to help families access housing assistance, particularly given challenges created by the State’s abrupt closure of its program last fall,” said Shaheen. “Every Granite Stater deserves a safe place to call home.”
“The Emergency Rental Assistance program has been a lifeline for New Hampshire families, and this federal funding can help provide additional relief for Granite Staters who are struggling to afford rent and pay their energy bills,” said Hassan. “I was glad to partner with the New Hampshire Congressional Delegation to advocate for this and other critical funding for our state so that Granite Staters can get the support that they need.”
“We need to expand access to safe, affordable housing options across our state to strengthen our economy and our workforce,” said Rep. Kuster. “I was proud to support this funding in the American Rescue Plan Act to help Granite Staters afford their energy bills and other housing expenses. These funds are an important resource for individuals and families facing high costs – I will continue working to address the housing crisis and ensure no one is left in the cold this winter.”
“The Emergency Rental Assistance program provides critical assistance to Granite Staters struggling to pay rent and bills so that they can remain housed and safe, and it is welcome news that this funding will be delivered to New Hampshire,” said Rep. Pappas. “As we continue to face an extreme housing shortage, it’s important this program remains open and funded while we work to address the root causes of the housing crisis. I’ll continue working with local and state authorities to secure help for people struggling to find safe, affordable housing.”
This latest allotment of ERA2 follows calls from the congressional delegation after the State of New Hampshire paused the acceptance of applications to the State’s ERA Program. The ERA2 program was created in March 2021 through the American Rescue Plan Act. Today’s announcement also follows the delegation’s successful efforts to provide additional rental assistance through the ERA1 program last October and ERA2 program last November.
Deadlines and criteria for both ERA1 and ERA2 programs have been available to participating states, counties and municipalities, including the State of New Hampshire, since the programs were established. New Hampshire's ERA program is funded by federal funds secured by the congressional delegation to assist with rent, utilities and home energy costs, including arrearages. The program is managed by the State. New Hampshire’s ERA program was paused on October 21, 2022 and is not currently accepting new applications.
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