Helping Our Tenants Access Pandemic Rent Relief

OPDC owns and manages a portfolio of 100 apartments as a part of our commitment to quality, affordable housing in Oakland.

When the pandemic hit, many of our tenants fell behind on rent. Individuals and families struggled to meet basic needs due to industries being brought to a halt, limited childcare options, and persistent healthcare challenges.

In response to this crisis, OPDC provided significant staff support to help tenants apply for Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) funds.

ERAP was a federal program created to help renters deal with financial challenges related to the pandemic. Administrated by local agencies, ERAP provided a cushion for tenants ahead of the eviction moratorium’s end.

“Our process is to help tenants when they’re struggling financially,” said Camille Dixon, Community Resources Manager. “Thanks to ERAP, back rent became one less thing for them to worry about. They could pick up where they left off and say, ‘Now I’m back to work.’”

Submitting a successful ERAP application proved challenging for some tenants. Even though our offices were closed, OPDC staff assisted tenants on the phone to help them overcome barriers.

“It took collaboration,” said Dixon. “We went through the application with them, scanned documents, identified missing materials, followed up with local agencies. Our Property Management team did a lot of work behind the scenes to make sure our tenants were squared away.”

Marvin was working in a salon when the pandemic hit and put him out of work. When he finally returned, it wasn’t long before he caught COVID. Over time, it would become apparent that he was suffering from long COVID, but he remained determined to get back on his feet.

OPDC coordinated with local agencies to make sure his ERAP application didn’t get lost in the shuffle, and fortunately, he was able to receive the funds for which he applied.

“OPDC staff were consistent in keeping up on things. I expressed to them a couple of my issues with getting the pandemic relief money and they helped me out,” said Marvin.

This tenant’s story demonstrates the protracted effects of COVID in our community. His is one among many—in all, OPDC’s Community Services Team worked to connect tenants with $111,600 in rent relief through Allegheny County’s ERAP agencies, providing housing security and peace of mind during a time of great disruption.