Bismarck, N.D. – The state of North Dakota is setting deadlines to end programs that helped tens of thousands of people who were either homeless, or were facing the imminent loss of housing, during the pandemic.
The state’s Health and Human Services Department says it is making the move ahead of September 15, when federal funding through the American Rescue Plan will expire nationwide.
HHS says some of the funding was used to provide emergency rental assistance through the North Dakota Housing Stability program.
The department says 56,000 people in all but two of the state’s 53 counties have taken advantage of the help since May of 2021.
Of those, 18,644 who benefited were 17 years old or younger. That’s about a third of the total number of people assisted.
Around 200 applications arrive weekly at HHS.
Households experiencing homeless have until March 15 to apply for services.
Those at risk of eviction can apply up June 1, and a September 1st deadline was set to claim one-time emergency rental payments.
In a press release, HHS writes it “intends to fully utilize the funds that are available to provide eviction prevention resources to its residents and state housing providers for as long as they are available.”
