February 11, 2021 3:20 a.m.

More than 39,000 Oregon households facing pandemic hardship have received over $278 million in rental assistance relief.

A release from Oregon Housing and Community Services said the funds are being paid through Oregon Emergency Rental Assistance Program. OHCS has paid out 96 percent of all federal ERA dollars available for rental assistance.

OERAP continues to be one of the nation’s top-performing programs and is ranked 5th in the nation in the percentage of federal funds paid out and obligated, as tracked by the National Low-Income Housing Coalition.

OERAP is still accepting new applications for emergency rental assistance. Tenants who meet the minimum eligibility criteria should complete and submit their application as soon as possible. Go to: https://www.oregonrentalassistance.org/faq/prioritization-information/