Individuals financially impacted by the effects of the pandemic can get help filling out rental and utility applications at MesaCAN. The City of Mesa is accepting applications for the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program (ERAP) for eligible residents. The federally funded program provides rent and utility assistance to prevent eviction and homelessness.
Online and paper applications are available at mesaaz.gov/erap in English and Spanish. Residents needing assistance completing the paperwork may visit MesaCAN (Mesa Community Action Network), 635 E. Broadway, Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Spanish speakers will be available.
"A New Leaf's Mesa Community Action Plan, or MesaCAN, has essential bilingual workers who can help Mesa residents apply for rental and utility assistance. Any vulnerable Mesa resident impacted by COVID can walk in and seek help at our site. A New Leaf and the City of Mesa have had a long standing fantastic partnership and we are very proud of this relationship," said Eva Felix, A New Leaf's Director of Community Services.
Since the ERAP funding became available in February 2021, the City has helped more than 4,700 households in Mesa with more than $27.4 million in rent and utility assistance.
"We are so grateful for the assistance and the ability to breathe, to get our head above water in such a scary time. The City of Mesa came through and we can finally see the light in the dark of an uncertain and scary tunnel and unsure who to turn to for help," said a resident who applied for assistance.
To qualify, you must be a City of Mesa resident impacted by COVID through a significant lifechanging event such as loss of job, reduced hours and medical expenses. Your household monthly gross income must be at or below 80 percent of the median depending on the number of household members. Priority is given to applicants who have any household member unemployed for the last 90 days or longer due to COVID or the total household income is at or below 50 percent of the area median income
Applicants to the ERAP program must have documentation including a photo ID, proof of income for all household members for the last 60 days, a current lease agreement and a current utility bill. Assistance is based on availability of funding.
Residents with questions about rental assistance may call (480) 644-5440 or email ERAPinfo@mesaaz.gov.
Contact: Kevin Christopher
(480) 644-4699
kevin.christopher@mesaaz.gov