December 8, 2020 3;35 a.m.

Staff with the City of Roseburg is encouraging the community to take advantage of COVID-19 relief programs that are set to expire at the end of the month.

A release said the programs are funded through the state and federal governments to assist communities impacted by COVID-19.

City Manager Nikki Messenger said staff knows that many in the community have suffered financially due to the pandemic. She said that is why they are reminding citizens about the programs, since they are set to expire soon.

Programs include:

*The Oregon Homeownership Stabilization Initiative has launched a mortgage relief program to help homeowners at risk of losing their homes due to COVID-19. That program provides assistance to homeowners who have experienced a financial hardship to help them avoid foreclosure. The program provides a one-time payment directly to mortgage servicers to bring delinquent first-lien accounts current. More information is available: https://www.oregonhomeownerhelp.org/

*The Roseburg Salvation Army is providing a variety of assistance programs for individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19. Those include rental/mortgage assistance, water utility payment assistance, and sewer payment vouchers. The Salvation Army also provides meals, gas vouchers, and laundry payment assistance for qualifying individuals. For details contact Captain Kristy Church: kristy.church@usw.salvationarmy.org or call 541-248-2585.

*Households that have been impacted by COVID-19 with income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, may be eligible for rent and utility assistance through the United Community Action Network. Those who quality may receive up to six months of rental credit support, including past due rent to April 2020. All rent payments are sent directly to the recipient’s landlord. Utility assistance is also available for those who qualify. Go to www.ucancap.org for more information.

Other programs are available as well. Contact the City of Roseburg for more information.