November 24, 2021 3:40 a.m.

Local renters who need help paying the rent after being impacted by COVID-19 should start the process now to beat a Wednesday, December 1st deadline for the Oregon Emergency Assistance Program.

A release said the City of Roseburg, United Community Action Network and the state of Oregon are encouraging renters in need to apply for federal assistance through this program to avoid eviction.

Oregon Housing and Community Services, which administers the program with community partners, can process up to $300 million in federal assistance that has already been requested and assess funding availability, according to the Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program website.

The release said rental assistance is provided on a fair and equal basis. After December 1st, renters can apply to local programs in their community for rent and utility assistance.

The online portal will reopen after six weeks if additional funds become available. That won’t affect anyone who has already submitted an application.

To apply, go to www.oregonrentalassitance.org. Those who have questions or trouble completing the online application can call UCAN at 888-596-1925.

The release said UCAN may have other ways to help those whose OERAP application is not approved. If an application is approved, payments will be made directly to the landlord. UCAN has assisted more than 1,100 households with getting assistance through this program.