Rep. Jarrells: Ohio must quickly distribute federal rental assistance money to vulnerable Ohioans

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D- Columbus) issued a statement today calling on the state of Ohio to quickly distribute federal rental assistance funds to Ohioans still struggling to pay rent. Ohio risks losing $104 million in COVID-19 rental assistance money if it is not allocated more quickly. 

“We have to fight harder as a state to get these dollars out. I have heard too many stories from constituents in my district who are on the verge of homelessness due to being behind on rent or waiting months to be approved for rental assistance. The need is there, but we have to step up as officials and agencies to address where the ball has been dropped. We literally have the lives of Ohioans in our hands,” said Rep. Jarrells. 

According to U.S. Treasury data, as of last November, Ohio had distributed just 20 percent of the COVID-19 rent relief it was allocated. Ohio ranked 43rd in the nation based on the percentage of rent money distributed.

Rep. Jarrells will convene with state and local partners in the coming weeks to discuss the issue of distributing this rental assistance quickly and efficiently.