KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri will begin to distribute millions of dollars in federal funding from the CARES Act to help residents with housing and other basic needs next month.
Gov. Mike Parson said during his daily COVID-19 briefing on Thursday that community block grants that should begin being distributed “in the next few weeks” will be available for Missouri individuals and families who need help with food, clothing, housing and utilities.
That includes $24 million for 15 of the state’s largest counties, including the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas.
Another $9.4 million will be available to help people experiencing or on the brink of homelessness as well as for eviction protection or emergency housing transitions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state also is providing some help through the Missouri Housing Development Corporation, which has $9 million for rent assistance for families experiencing economic hardship.
Many state courts, including the Missouri Supreme Court, have halted all eviction proceedings until at least May 15
All federally backed mortgages are under a foreclosure moratorium. That includes loans from Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Federal Housing Administration, federal programs for veterans and loans managed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Borrowers not covered by federal-loan protection can also request a mortgage extension of up to 180-day for hardships related to COVID-19.
Missouri also will receive millions through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which can be used to help residents unable to make utility payments who meet certain income guidelines.
Missouri utility providers remain barred from disconnecting and shutting off service at this time.
Details for how Missouri residents will be able to access the forthcoming federal grants and other funds have yet to be announced.