LOCAL

As prices remain high, Augusta is awarded $12 million more for emergency rental assistance

Augusta Chronicle

As inflation cuts into the ability of many Augustans to make ends meet, the city has $12 million more to help with rent or utility payments.

The Augusta Commission approved receipt of the funds Tuesday. To be eligible, a renter must live in Richmond County and earn 80% or less of the area median income, which is around $55,000.

This is the third round of rental and utility assistance for Augusta since the COVID-19 pandemic started, said Hawthorne Welcher, director of Augusta Housing and Community Development. The funds will again be distributed by United Way of the CSRA, he said.

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Augusta was able to apply for the additional funds from American Rescue Plan dollars unspent by the state on its pandemic rent assistance program, said Brittany Burnett, president and CEO of the local United Way.

For people living paycheck-to-paycheck, an increase in one expense – such as fuel, or electricity in warmer summer months – can cut into their ability to make other bills, such as rent or utilities, she said.

Inflation of consumer prices hit 8.5% in March and remains the highest it's been since 1981.

The funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Burnett said prior applicants not receiving the funds must reapply.

Residents can apply through the United Way of the CSRA website, uwcsra.org or text the word "rent" to 50503, she said.