The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) initiated a program last week to assist people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with rent or mortgages.

The Wyoming Legislature authorized the Wyoming Emergency Housing Assistance Program (WEHAP) with federal CARES Act funding.

Eligible WEHAP recipients may receive one month of emergency rent or mortgage payment assistance up to $2,000, with additional assistance possible. Funds may be applied to rent or mortgage for June 2020, and the renter or homeowner may also apply for assistance with past due payments from April or May.

Rent (including lot rent), security deposit, mortgage payment, and/or hazard insurance assistance is included in WEHAP funds to support eligible households to stay in their homes or obtain housing. Homeowners with mortgage loans already in a forbearance program are not eligible.

Recipients considered eligible due to COVID-19 include those who experienced job loss, reduction in compensation or whose workplace closed, as well as other circumstances resulting in loss of income from events related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program allows the WCDA to pay the difference between 30% of the household’s current gross monthly income and their eligible WEHAP costs, up to $2,000 per month. Payments will be made directly to landlords, property owners, mortgage servicers or, in the case of hazard insurance assistance, to insurance companies. Additional eligibility criteria apply.

More information is available at www.wyomingcda.com, by calling 307-253-1089 or emailing WEHAPHelps@wyomingcda.com.