JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Housing instability is an issue that affects both rural and urban areas of North Dakota.

As some low- and moderate-income renters may be struggling with payments, there is now a program called the ND Rent Help, which offers up to 12 months of help with past due, current, and future rent to prevent evictions and promote stable housing.

Great Plains Housing Authority (GPHA) Executive Director David Klein.

GPHA serves the counties of Barnes, Dickey, Eddy, Foster, Griggs, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells for the ND Rent Help Program.

Deputy Director Cassie DuBray says there are trained application counselors who can help residents who need to apply for the rent help.

Locally at GPHA, there are seven trained counselors who will conduct outreach, raise awareness about the ND Rent Help program, and connect renters more quickly to rent assistance and other financial help. Other application counselors can be found regionally at Community Options, Community Action, or McIntosh Housing Authority.

DuBray added that tenants who meet certain requirements are encouraged to apply.

DuBray says those who meet those requirements between March 27th, 2020 to today are welcome to apply for the rent assistance through the ND Rent Help program.

According to the North Dakota Department of Human Services, ND Rent Help has already aided 1,684 qualifying renters from 38 of North Dakota’s 53 counties between January 1st and July 19th, 2021, providing $4.4 million in payments to participating housing providers.

To begin the process, you can click here or apply with the help of an approved application counselor. For more information, click here or contact Great Plains Housing Authority at 701-252-1098.

Listen to a full Let’s Talk About It with David Klein and Cassie DuBray below: