FORT WORTH, Texas — Millions of dollars set aside for emergency rental assistance have gone unclaimed, according to the city of Fort Worth's Neighborhood Services Department.
“We have some work to do," said Victor Turner, the department's head.
The department said it currently has $27.4 million and is expecting another $29 million to assist families affected by COVID-19 through joblessness, homelessness or a drop in income, Turner said.
The city opened applications on March 8, but there’s a problem: the money is there, but not enough people know about it.
“We don’t feel like we’re where we need to be, as far as the number of applicants," Turner said.
To date, some $930,000 dollars have been approved for payment, but that’s only a drop in the bucket.
The city of Fort Worth is launching TV, radio and mass transit ads, but marketing is only part of the solution.
The city is partnering with six community organizations to provide in-person awareness, as well as assistance processing applications.
Click here to apply for rental assistance with the City of Fort Worth.