Resources Available To Oklahomans Behind On Rent As CDC Extends The Eviction Moratorium To June 30

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made a last-second extension to the halt on evictions to keep those struggling during the pandemic from homelessness.

“The eviction docket is busting at the seams, and people all over are still needing help,” said Ginny Bass Carl, the executive director of Community CARES Partners.

Tenants and landlords feel frustrated and afraid of the unknown, but federal officials gave themselves until June 30 to get ahead of this problem.

More than a third of Oklahoma adults are behind on rent or mortgage payments and are at risk of eviction.

Right now, in Oklahoma, nearly 30,000 families are facing eviction, and many landlords are continuing to file for eviction, but renters' advocates said landlords have other options.

“A lot of landlord attorneys are pushing to file for evictions, and that is so unnecessary,” said Bass Carl. “We can help you.”

Community CARES Partners has $264 million ready to help families in need of assistance statewide.

"We know this is a double-sided problem. While you have the grace of not being evicted, your rent is racking up with your landlord feeling the pain," Bass Carl said.

This is where Community CARES Partners are hoping to step in.

They are working with more than 5,000 applicants right now to help with rent assistance.

The organization has to spend 65% of the $264 million by September 30 or the remainder of the funds will be sent back.

Community CARES Partners can pay for 12 to 15 months of rent.

They pay back rent first, then can pay forward rent up to three months at a time.

But they can also help with utilities if you are a renter.

"We are trying to get ahead of that and tell people you do not have to file for eviction. We can help," said Bass Carl.

Coming out this Thursday is a simpler application, but they say you can still use the current application on their website to receive assistance.

Click here to view the application, or call 211 for help.