EL PASO COUNTY — As the eviction moratorium is set to expire at the end of the month, El Paso County officials say assistance is still available for those who need it.
"This is considered one of the biggest issues we're facing right now," Eric Leonard, Housing Analyst with El Paso County who adds the need for housing assistance is a big concern among organizations working to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
The Aspen Institute, a nonpartisan think tank, estimates anywhere between 30-40 million people have been helped throughout the pandemic because of the CDC moratorium.
Landlords, however, remain eager for the eviction moratorium to end.
The National Apartment Association has expressed “extreme disappointment” the CDC extended the moratorium one more month.
Leaders of the group emphasized a number of landlords are struggling to pay the bills because of the lack of rent income.
Assistance is available through the state's Division of Housing (DOH).
"The money's available, there are millions of dollars available to people who have experienced past due rent, who are in danger of eviction," Leonard said.
There are certain requirements for people needing rental assistance. Some of the requirements include a change in income because of the impacts of the pandemic or if someone is facing homelessness.
Applications are open for aid for both landlords and tenants.
