Program Success Stories

Tim Jacobs, Landlord

We wanted to tell you how much we appreciate the help and support of your organization during this time of need for so many. During the shutdowns, we found ourselves and our tenants struggling to stay afloat due to the loss of revenue they were incurring. Our tenant was unemployed for sixteen months due to their situation with three small children. They were struggling to survive. We struggled with them and exhausted our savings in order to keep them afloat until they found employment and were able to get back some resemblance of a normal life. We started to look for help to dig out of this when we found ERA Alabama. We were surprised at the ease of applying and how gracious and understanding your employees were during this time. We were never put in an awkward position and, in fact, we were guided through the process in a timely manner.

Thanks to ERA Alabama, we were able to forgive the rent owed to our tenant, which has allowed them to breathe easy. We were also able to continue being landlords and saving for retirement. So many times, Americans are afraid to look at the programs offered thinking it’s all hype and there will be no help. We are so grateful for everyone who has made ERA Alabama possible. We cannot say enough about receiving assistance, but we truly thank you and hope you know that you renewed our faith in our country and our wonderful state.

“We fell behind on rent and other bills and were struggling to catch up, so our property management suggested we apply for assistance because we were about to get evicted…This assistance saved our family from becoming homeless!”

Terrance Jackson, Property Manager

Terrance Jackson is the property manager at Lodges on Lincoln in Selma, managed by Olympia Management. Terrance has helped residents at Lodges on Lincoln, as well as Magnolia Garden I and Magnolia Gardens II – also Olympia developments located in Selma – apply for assistance through ERA Alabama. Terrance says, “We have helped more than 21% of our residents apply for and receive ERA Alabama assistance.”

He calls the process relatively simple and straightforward, and says, “There is nothing more stressful than an unstable living situation. Many residents who have been affected by COVID-19 have lost significant amounts of money and their ability to pay rent, the largest expense for most, is first affected. This funding enables our tenants the opportunity to not have to make the hard choices between paying rent, groceries, medical care and necessary utilities.” He shares the story of a family at one of the developments who needed assistance after the father was hospitalized with COVID for over two weeks. Terrance says, “He was unable to work for about a month afterwards. He and his wife and young child fell behind on the rent after his wife also became ill with COVID and was unable to work. They were unsure how they were going to pay for their rent, water and electric bills.”

Terrance helped them complete their application for ERA Alabama assistance and said they were approved and received funds within three weeks. He says, “We were able to help them pay and bring their rent and utilities current. They were ecstatic and grateful for these funds and have been able to go back to work without the burden of repaying debts they otherwise could not afford.”

“ERA Alabama has provided these families with a much-needed sense of housing security, as well as giving them the monetary means to afford daily life expenses, including food and medical needs. Our residents have been overjoyed, thankful, and so appreciative of the help!”

Anonymous

In December 2019, C.H.’s rent nearly doubled and once the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she quickly got behind and needed help with her rent and utilities. She says, “Living on a fixed income is challenging enough with inflation and a struggling economy. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically affected my business, and my income was substantially reduced.”

C.H.’s business is a small online retail business that helps supplement her disability income. She shares, “I got to work at home even before the pandemic. I was able to feel valued and productive despite my disabilities. I was able to feel a level of independence that I had not felt since my disabilities began many years ago.”

The pandemic took a toll on her business, and she heard about and applied for assistance through Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama. She says, “The application process was a breeze! It was succinct and to the point. The waiting period was the most challenging, but of course, once my application was approved, I experienced great relief.”

C.H. received rent and utility assistance – including help with her internet bills. She says, “This was a lifeline for someone like me who has disabilities but also a business to run. It’s important for people to know they’re getting a hand up and not a handout, and they can keep their dignity in stressful times.” When asked what she would tell others wondering if they should apply for assistance, she shares, “Always apply. Have a grateful heart. Only take what you need. This program is new, and agencies, landlords and residents have to all work together to ensure its success.”

“I just want people to know this is real. We went through a pandemic – a bad pandemic, and the government put this money out there to help people and their families. I took the opportunity, and this has truly been a light at the end of the tunnel. People should take advantage of this help – that’s what it’s there for”

Darrell Watkins

Darrell Watkins and his family recently received help from Emergency Rental Assistance Alabama. Darrell began a tax business on January 1, 2020. Just after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he was saddened to have to close his new business. He says, “I didn’t have a clue what we were going to do.”

Darrell had been following the news and heard about the program. “When I heard about the rental assistance program, I called right away, but it had not started yet. So the date it began, I started the application process.” He noted that the process was easy to understand and follow through. “My landlord was great. They gave me all the information I needed to complete the application, and they were very patient with me.”

Darrell was approved for assistance to cover past due rent expenses plus 3 months of future rent. He says, “This is giving us time to get caught up. I am thankful for the help, and I would tell others who are struggling not to hesitate to apply.”