The Ohio Controlling Board approved $100 million in federal funds for the state’s Rent Assistance Program to aid Ohioans impacted by the pandemic with financial assistance to pay rent, rent arrears, utilities and home energy costs, and utility and home energy costs that are past due.

“It has been nearly a year since this pandemic disrupted our lives, and our neighbors are still struggling to keep up with their utilities and rent,” said State Representative Michael Sheehy. “These funds for the Rent Assistance Program are desperately needed to assist Ohioans in keeping their lights on and their heat going.”

The Development Services Agency will award funds to local Community Action Agencies (CAA) according to the low-to moderate-income populations and unemployment rates within each county. Ohioans at or below 80 percent of the area median income (AMI) are eligible for assistance. In Lucas County, the CAA is Pathway, Inc.

Additionally, the Controlling Board approved the transfer of $20.9 million in CARES Act funding to the Department of Health’s 2021 budget to support data analysis, public information about COVID-19 and vaccines, and related critical outreach to Ohio citizens, and other response costs paid by the department.

Another $8 million will go to purchase additional PPE equipment to aid the state’s ongoing coronavirus response efforts.