DONA ANA COUNTY, NM (KFOX14/CBS4) — After helping residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic pay rent and utilities for more than three years, the Doña Ana County Emergency Rental Assistance Program will close by the end of the year.

According to Dona Ana County, the program will end on December 31, 2024, but will continue to accept applications until then.

The county said it received a $34 million grant in early 2021 to cover rent and utility payments as part of a national effort to help renters facing financial hardship caused by the pandemic. The grant total also includes funds to pay for the administration of the program by ERAP employees.

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So far, the county said it has distributed nearly $28 million to help with rent and utilities for 2,500 households after a difficult financial period, and added that the remaining funds will go to support housing stability through community partners.

“Dona Ana County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program has been a lifeline for many during the pandemic,” said Board President Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez. “We are proud to have played a role in assisting our residents, ensuring that families and individuals could remain safely sheltered during what has been a scary and uncertain time for all of us.”

The county thanked all the partners, community organizations and staff who contributed to the success of the program, as well as the US Department of the Treasury for the funding provided.

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