CRT cash payments and more to prevent homelessness

Connecticut’s Community Renewal Team (CRT) brings tenacious rental aid tools to defeat homelessness in Hartford and Middlesex counties. To make a difference, the agency does more than just provide budget counseling. They provide grants to tenants in need.

CRT provides comprehensive rental assistance to households at risk of eviction. The advantage of providing cash along with budget counseling is that a case manager may immediately address a shortfall that would otherwise result in an eviction.

Cash for Back Rent

For certain clients who are late on rent, CRT can provide a payment to cover the arrears. This means the landlord would receive cash necessary to bring the rent status current again. If eviction proceedings were sought by the landlord, full payment of rents owed would halt that eviction process.

Clients are not paid rent directly. Instead the case manager will authorize a payment directly to the landlord. Properties must be located in either Hartford County or Middlesex County in order for a payment to be made. Homeowners are also eligible for the same aid if they are behind on a mortgage payment.

A tenant who is unable to afford future rent payments will likely be denied a request for emergency cash aid. Case managers will determine whether an applicant could reasonably afford to remain in the home permanently.

Rent must be at an affordable price level. Properties deemed too expensive will not be eligible for back rent assistance which is a shared policy by nearly all aid organizations.

Mediation

Case managers are happy to intervene on behalf of a tenant who is facing an eviction. What the organization tries to determine is whether there is a possibility to avoid the eviction by implementing an alternative arrangement that benefits both parties.

After speaking with the tenant, a case manager basically talks to the landlord to determine the nature of the problem. They then propose a possible solution that is expected to resolve the problem.

To implement the arrangement, case managers work with clients on an action plan. This plan likely includes lifestyle adjustments that the tenant agrees to make in order to reduce future problems. Maybe the client would agree to work more hours or cut out wasteful spending to create a surplus. It could include a savings plan. In some cases, an action plan may include a cash grant designed to cover all or part of the arrears.

One common arrangement is to promise to correct the arrears within a couple of months. Perhaps the agency will pay one month of arrears and the tenant will catch up on another month by spreading payments out over two or three months. Landlords often prefer this type of arrangement if it allows a good tenant to stay in the home. Eviction are costly and may result in further costs through an extended vacancy.

How to request aid

Tenants should contact the service center closest to them.

• Hartford County residents may call 860-560-5881 to request an appointment at the Wethersfield Avenue office.
• Middlesex County tenants may call the Hamlin Street office at 860-347-4465.

A receptionist may ask screening questions and schedule an appointment with a case manager. They will note any urgent needs, such as if a tenant has received an eviction notice.