Need help with rent, utilities due to coronavirus? Here’s how to access resources in Columbus

As businesses around the nation have been ordered to shut down or follow social distancing policies to help limit the spread of COVID-19, layoffs and pay cuts have quickly followed in record numbers.

Last week the United States Department of Labor said it received 3.3 million new claims for unemployment benefits between March 15 and March 21, the highest jump in new claims ever recorded. The state of Georgia reported a smaller scale jump in unemployment claims, and expects more to follow in the coming weeks.

In anticipation of the impact such measures would have on household finances, utility companies announced they would temporarily not disconnect customers facing the impacts of COVID-19, such as Columbus Water Works, Georgia Power and Liberty Utilities.

The CARES Act, a stimulus package designed to bolster the U.S. economy, was signed March 27 by President Donald Trump and gives some protection to renters and owners of properties with federally-backed mortgage loans and those in government housing.

However, there has been no state or local moratorium placed on rent, mortgage or utility payments, and even delayed payments will come due eventually.

The most comprehensive local resource for finding help with rent and utility assistance during this time of financial insecurity is 211, a call line that is manned 24/7 by the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley.

According to Candace Muncy, 211 coordinator, operators have seen an uptick in calls as the coronavirus crisis has hit more and more households.

“We’re seeing about a 10 to 15% increase in our call volume that’s specifically related to the coronavirus,” she said. “Our average call volume every month is about 800 calls, so we’re looking at an additional maybe 100 calls in this past month that are specifically related to coronavirus.”

Year-round, 211 operators and the 211 website provide information about resources that include everything from childcare to food pantries to homelessness assistance to job and education resources. In addition to providing information that is helpful 365 days a year, the agency has recently been compiling resources specifically related to the coronavirus.

“We keep as up to date as the agencies let us know,” Muncy said, “From childcare centers that are open; to people that are needing to take the SAT or the ACT during this time because they’re still working on college applications; to where they can get food; where they can get rent assistance or utility assistance.”

Some things are still the same when it comes to community needs, just heightened, she said.

“We’ve been around for about five years now and consistently every single month our top three needs are always utility assistance, housing and rent and mortgage assistance, and access to food,” Muncy said. “We’re just seeing that exponentially increase right now.”

Those in need can access the confidential service by dialing 2-1-1, texting their zip code to 898-211 to start a conversation or by visiting 211uwcv.org.

The service is free and anonymous but some questions such as zip code and basic demographic information are collected.

Muncy advised people who are in need of assistance to call early, as soon as they know they’re going to have a problem paying a bill.

“Go ahead and call and find out about those resources early so you know exactly where to go and you know their intake procedure is and what days they’re open,” she said. “A lot of our food pantries now are going to car distribution only so they’ve cut their hours.”

Resource list

Below is an abbreviated list of resources available to help with rent and utility assistance. For more resources specific to where you live, contact 211.

Some agencies have changed their normal hours of business or procedures due lower numbers of staff and volunteers and keeping social distancing in mind. Check with 211 to get the most up-to-date information.

St. Anne Community Outreach

The March waiting list for help is full, but the rental assistance line will re-open at 11 a.m. April 21 (706-568-1592).

Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Ministry

The ministry is closed to the public until further notice, but will continue to offer Direct Service assistance through telephone interviews, focusing on rent and mortgage assistance. Leave your name and contact information at 706-327-2836 to schedule an appointment.

Georgia Legal Services Program

The program that can help local tenants understand their rights and protection has closed its physical offices but is still remotely serving clients. The GLSP intake line (833-GLSPLAW) will remain open and staff can be reached through their regular email and phone lines. Clients can also use the online intake at www.glsp.org.

Urban League

The Urban League is an approved HUD Housing Counseling Agency and is providing walk-up and over-the-phone assistance and counseling. Certified counselors are available for services including housing, mortgage and rental counseling; foreclosure and eviction counseling, prevention and management; first time home buyer education; and rental and utility assistance when funds are available. Call 706-322-6840 for more information.

Salvation Army

The Columbus Salvation Army offers rent and utility payment assistance. Call 706-327-0275 for more information.

SafeHouse

SafeHouse Ministries at 2101 Hamilton Road has opened an emergency shelter.

The emergency shelter will operate daily from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. and is accepting anyone in need of shelter regardless of their situation. No questions will be asked and no one refused.

Contact Neil Richardson, executive director of SafeHouse Ministries, at 706-575-1483 for more information.