Emergency Rental Assistance 

UPDATE (JANUARY 12, 2023):

Richland County's Emergency Rental Assistance Program is no longer accepting or processing applications for rental or utility assistance. 

Applicants with questions about payment status or other concerns should email Miranda Spivey of Richland County Emergency Services.  

Please monitor this site for program updates and reach out to one of our community partners should you need immediate assistance.

Helpful links

• ERA Policy and Procedural Manual for Richland County
• ERA Priority Protocol
• U.S. Treasury ERA FAQ
• Housing Navigator
• The Cooperative Ministry
• United Way of the Midlands

Background

The U.S. Department of Treasury awarded Richland County Government $12.5 million to help local households unable to pay rent and utilities because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding was made available through ERA (ERAP), which was enacted in December 2020.

Through ERA2, a similar federal program enacted in March 2021, the County received another $9.9 million to continue supporting renters at risk of eviction.

In February 2022, the County received $22 million from reallocated ERA1 funds.

To date, the County has approved more than $26 million in aid for residents through ERA1 and ERA2.