Community Cares Partners (CCP), working through Communities Foundation of Oklahoma, is providing assistance to renters who are facing an eviction or other housing crisis because of the COVID pandemic. This program is for renters only. Homeowners are not eligible.

Notice: Applications for rent and utility assistance are temporarily closed beginning September 1, 2021 and continuing for six weeks. Applications will reopen October 15, 2021.

How to Qualify

Who is eligible?
1. A household member has lost income because of the COVID pandemic.
2. A household member has lost their job or been furloughed dating back to March 13, 2020.
3. The household has received a past due or eviction notice.
4. The household is having trouble paying bills because of COVID.

How do I apply?
1, Go to https://okcommunitycares.org/application/ to start the application process.
2. Submit the supporting documentation including lease agreement, income or unemployment information, utility bills
3. Your application will be reviewed, and you will be notified of the status.
4. If your application is approved, CCP will contact your landlord and utility provider to pay your bills.
5. You will be notified when payments are made to your landlord and utility provider.

FAQ

Tenants
What does the assistance include?
Rent and utility bill assistance is provided to qualified households that have been negatively impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Are some applicants given priority?
Certain applicants are given priority based on income, unemployment, eviction status, safety, and when applications are received. Priority assistance includes:

1. Renting households whose income is at or below 50% of the area median
2. Renting households with one or more members who have been unemployed for 90 days or longer
3. Victims of domestic violence
4. Renting households that have cases on eviction dockets

When will I hear something about my application?
Due to the high volume of applications, it currently takes approximately six to eight weeks from application submission to funding.

What happens if I get a late notice or eviction notice after I’ve applied?
You should contact Client Relations by filling out the Contact Us form as soon as possible. If you receive an eviction summons, be sure to show up in court.

What utilities does the program pay for?
Utility assistance is limited to electricity, heating sources, water, and trash.

Can I get help with re-connection fees?
Yes. The program will pay utility re-connection fees.

Will the program help me with my mortgage payments?
No. Assistance is limited to renters. Call 211 to get information on mortgage assistance programs.

Can I get help if I wasn’t living in my current apartment when COVID was declared a public health emergency?
Yes. There is no length of residence requirement for assistance.

Landlords
Do I have to file an eviction notice before my tenants can apply for assistance?
No. Applications are processed in the order in which they were received. It currently takes approximately six to eight weeks to complete the application process.

How do I know whether my tenants have applied?
Once applicants submit applications, they receive an email notification. This can serve as evidence that they have applied for assistance.

What documentation does the program need from landlords?
You will have to provide a copy of your lease or rental agreement. If you don’t have a formal agreement with your tenant, representatives will send you a lease template. A W-9 is required for tax purposes and before funds will be released.

How are payments made?
Once you have submitted your W-9, the program will mail you a check. You have the option of direct deposit if you provide an ACH Authorization Form. You must submit a completed Emergency Rental Assistance Agreement.

How long after I’ve signed the Emergency Rental Assistance Agreement will I be paid?
Within 30 days.

Does the program reimburse me for attorney fees and court costs?
You can receive payment for reasonable late fees, but the program does not cover attorney fees or court costs.