Committee approves tenant-relief application for tornado-impacted renters

The Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee approved an application form to support the Impacted Tenants Fund (from prior disaster legislation) that will speed assistance to renters whose housing was affected by the May storms and tornado.

Alderman Aldrich presented the five-page application and said the document collects basic applicant contact information, the impacted address, date of the disaster, landlord or property-owner contact information, household income, household size and demographic information. The form also asks for proof of tenancy (a current lease when available) and valid ID, and it includes state and local nondiscrimination language near the signature area. Employment Connection is identified as a planned vendor to administer applications and assistance, working with the Department of Human Services.

Committee discussion included two operational clarifications requested by members: first, that tenants who are month-to-month or lack an up-to-date signed lease will not be automatically excluded; Employment Connection officials told the presenter they will accept the most recent lease documentation available and work with applicants who lack formal paperwork. Second, members recommended collecting a current mailing address or alternative contact so displaced applicants can reliably receive written correspondence when an impacted address is uninhabitable. Committee members stressed the program is not yet operational; staff from Employment Connection and the Department of Human Services are still building intake systems and outreach plans.

The committee voted to approve the application form; the motion was moved and seconded and carried with a call of the previous roll and no objection. Committee members and staff said they will advertise the program when the portal and vendor processes are ready so applicants can apply as soon as operations begin.