RENTAL ASSISTANCE

Program Description:  The purpose of this service is to provide emergency financial assistance to prevent homelessness, and/or establish permanent housing for residence of Columbus and Franklin County. This program is for customers that has past due rental/mortgage cost, or first month’s rent due for a new home/apartment.

Intake Process: Impact is currently prioritizing tenants at eviction court.  If you have a scheduled eviction hearing, please stop by the Impact table (with your required documents) at the end of the hall on the day of your hearing. 

Required Documentation:

  • Client Intake Form  

  • Documentation of hardship – directly, or indirectly related to the pandemic

  • Proof of citizenship

    • Social Security Card

    • Birth Certificate

    • Passport

    • Federal ID

    • Photo Registration 

  • Proof of income for household members 18 years or older for a minimum of the past 30 days (Prioritizing clients who are 50% AMI or below)

  • Lease Agreement – signed by landlord & applicant identifying unit & established rental payment amount

  • Landlord/Property Manager Contact Information (First and Last Name, Phone Number, E-mail Address)

You can apply here:

  • IMPACT representatives are serving those on the docket for Eviction Court Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, please contact the call center for the next steps.

  • If you have an active application, please contact us at (614) 252-2799. 

WHO QUALIFIES?
Households with one or more residents that have qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.

WHAT do I need to bring? WHAT should I expect?

Landlords will need to provide

  • Landlord verification/proof of ownership (and property management agreement, if applicable)

  • Completed and Signed Landlord Agreement to receive funds

  • Completed and Signed W9

  • Arrearages – Eviction or past due rent notice (Should include total amount due, including fees)

Utility Assistance (in addition to above)

  • Copy of utility bill demonstrating shut off, is in disconnection status or past due status

Program Benefits:  The program provides a benefit of UP TO $2,500, provided all eligibility requirements are met and supporting documentation is provided.   If your rental amount is over $2,500, your case subjected to review by IMPACT to determine if other funds are available to assist you. We are prioritizing clients who have not experienced assistance in the past 6 months.

What Program Doesn’t Cover?  There is a limit on fees, utilities, attorney fees based upon the funding source.  *IMPACT Rep coordinating their application will inform them in detail what we can and cannot fund. We do not process any future months.

NEW FOR 2023: IMPACT WILL NO LONGER MAIL CHECKS.

PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE VIA ACH OR CHECKS CAN BE PICKED UP IN PERSON AT IMPACT.