Camden County To Award About $16M In Renters' Assistance

Anthony Bellano
·3 min read

CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ — Camden County expects to award about $16 million to support low income renters at risk of losing their homes or facing an eviction threat as the result of the coronavirus pandemic, county officials announced on Thursday.

The money comes from funds which were designated for the county as part of Congress' December COVID relief legislation. The county previously awarded more than $11 million in rental assistance to county residents since the fall of 2020 using funds from the first and second CARES Act.

“Now that the eviction moratorium is over, we want to ensure anyone who needs assistance can get it and not just for rent, but also for utilities to sustain themselves as we continue to weather this current surge of COVID-19,” Camden County Commissioner Al Dyer said. “As a governing body, our main objective is getting this money into the community where it will do immeasurable good for our residents and will allow individuals to hit the reset button that have been adversely impacted by this insidious virus. In short, this program is a lifeline to those who are still facing the ramifications of a global pandemic that shook every pillar of our economy.”

The Camden County RECOVERS Rental Assistance Grant program, makes available up to 18 months of back rent (dating back to March 13, 2020). The newest phase of the program will also include three months of prospective rental payments.

Utilities which are included in rent will be treated as rent, and internet services may be considered an eligible utility if it can be demonstrated that those services were necessary for work or schooling. While tenants will apply to take part in the program, payments will be made directly to landlords.

“Given that the eviction moratorium ended on December 31, 2021, those who still need assistance should take advantage of this valuable program as soon as possible,” New Jersey Apartment Association Executive Director David Brogan said. “I commend the Camden County Board of Commissioners for their continued commitment to the community. This is a fantastic example of Camden County putting residents first and taking the necessary steps to help those in need. We urge all landlords to work with their tenants to address outstanding rent and to assist tenants in applying for rental assistance though this program.”

In order to qualify for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, applications must meet all three of the following conditions:

  • Qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Demonstrates a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability (i.e. past due notice, rent notice, or eviction notice).

  • Has a household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI).


Additionally, the program will have the following requirements:

  • There must be no duplication of funds.

  • The amount of rent to be reimbursed per month will be capped at Camden County’s Fair Market Rent (FMR) Limits.

  • A preference will be given to households with one or more individuals that have not been employed for more than 90 days.

  • Landlords must agree to waive late fees and penalties.

“South Jersey families don’t deserve to be kicked out of their homes during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic,” said Rep. Donald Norcross (D-1), who pointed out that he supported and voted for ARP. “I’m proud to have fought for this funding by voting for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act, and this latest round of assistance is proof that ARP continues to deliver for hardworking people.”

More information regarding the Rental Assistance Program, how to apply, and the additional eligibility requirements is available by visiting www.camdencounty.com.

Applications for the program will be awarded on a first come, first served basis, and will be accepted until all available funds have been awarded.

To apply, visit www.rentrelief.com/camden or call 833-327-2199, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on the Gloucester Township Patch