NH pauses rental help program after funding ends

New Hampshire Housing is pausing purposes for the state’s emergency rental help program after the federal authorities introduced the state wouldn’t obtain further funding, however officers say help continues to be out there.

This system continues to be ongoing by way of the top of December, and officers say purposes which have already been submitted can nonetheless be funded.

“The very first thing I need folks to know is to breathe,” mentioned Donnalee Lozeau, CEO of Southern New Hampshire Companies.

The New Hampshire Hire Help Program has been serving to Granite Theaters pay hire and utilities since March 2021 with funds from the American Rescue Plan.

State officers say New Hampshire not too long ago requested the federal authorities for extra assets however was denied, prompting the Housing Affiliation to halt new purposes.

Katia Dohl’s hire help ended not too long ago, and when she went to reapply on Friday, the Manchester resident was instructed it was too late.

“After they inform me it is over, what do I do?” she speaks. “I am staying in a motel proper now.”

Lozeau says folks should not panic, as a result of there are different methods to get further assist.

“It isn’t hire on the degree that this program permits, however it’s actually issues like gasoline help, electrical help, pantry,” she mentioned. “Some (group motion partnerships) make shelters for the homeless. I imply, we can assist them with different issues.”

In a letter, Governor Chris Sununu blasted the denial, partly saying: “With hovering inflation, freezing climate and the vacation season, that is the worst time for the federal authorities to take motion. this step.”

However US Senator Jeanne Shaheen mentioned the state left the cash on the desk due to the way in which New Hampshire determined to strategy the applications.

“We will look and discuss to the Treasury to see what we are able to do as a result of we need to assist New Hampshire individuals who need assistance with rental help, however are actually disenchanted to see that. that the state just isn’t maintaining, she mentioned.

Since March, the state has spent greater than $230 million serving to greater than 23,000 New Hampshire households, officers mentioned. More likely to obtain extra federal funds sooner or later.