Michigan renters, landlords encouraged to apply as soon as possible ahead of deadline
Behind in your rent and/or utilities? Live in Kalamazoo County? Tenants or landlords can now apply directly online through a special portal provided by Michigan State Housing Development Authority for assistance with back rent and/or utilities.
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has announced that it will soon have enough applications through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program to spend all funds available. Applications for CERA through the online portal will stop being accepted as of Thursday, June 30, 2022, at 9:00pm. If you are behind in your rent, you should apply NOW for potential consideration.
It is likely that more applications will be received than funds available. Applications submitted before the deadline will continue to be processed until all the available funds are gone. There is no guarantee of funding even if you have applied. Once the CERA portal closes on June 30, residents who have not applied and are facing eviction should reach out to Housing Resources, Inc. at 269-382-0287 or fill out the Contact Us form on this website. Those seeking legal services can reach out to lawestmi.org. for potentially free legal representation. MSHDA is also evaluating other eviction prevention funding options and we will keep you updated as we have more information.
If you need manual forms and do not wish to use the online portal, please use the forms below. If you need accommodations to access or complete these forms, please call HRI at 269.382.0287 and HRI staff will assist you. If you do not wish to complete the forms online, you can mail them to HRI, 420 East Alcott Street Suite 200, Kalamazoo, MI 49001 or drop them off at the same address in the HRI secure drop box inside the lobby or email them directly to one of our HRI staff at Cera@housingresourcesinc.org.
For more information on COVID Emergency Rental Assistance, including eligibility requirements and local income guidelines, click here.
Please allow 2 business days for a Housing Specialist to return your email or phone call. As of 3-14-22, our Alcott Street office lobby will be open 8:30-5:00 pm Monday-Friday.
Nearly 300 walkers came out in the rain and cold and walked with us to end homelessness in Kalamazoo on March 19! A special thank you to sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff who made this a fun and successful event! Read more about our event here: https://www.secondwavemedia.com/southwest-michigan/features/Walkers-help-HRI-exceed-goal-to-raise-funds-for-services-helping-people-stay-housed-or-g-032422.aspx
In 2021, HRI has provided 2,608 households with $11.1 Million dollars in financial assistance providing individuals and families facing a housing emergency or homelessness with housing solutions. However, our work is not finished!
Please join our fight to end homelessness in our community! Find out how you can learn more about our work and how you can make an impact! Contact Galyn at gbarnum@housingresourcesinc.org.
Our lobby is open to visitors and people seeking services without an appointment. Masks are encouraged but optional and will be available in our lobby.
For more information or assistance call our main number 269-382-0287 during office hours weekdays 8:30- 5:00 pm or dial 2-1-1 day or night 24/7. Or, you can access Emergency Rental Assistance applications through this website.
We have earned GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency!
The mission of HRI is the assurance of housing for socially or economically vulnerable persons of Kalamazoo County.
