A new state program designed to help tenants avoid eviction due to overdue rent has begun.

The Eviction Prevention Fund will help struggling families facing rising rental costs, with $12.5 million from UniteCT and the Rent Bank funding the program.

Eligible households can receive up to $5,000 in assistance. Interested tenants must call UniteCT at 844-864-8328 to be screened for eligibility. Eligible applicants will then receive assistance to help complete their application.

UniteCT has provided rent and utility assistance for households financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic since early 2021 and has been funded by several sources including the federal American Rescue Plan.

Assistance has gone to more than 11,300 landlords on behalf of almost 48,000 tenants. 95% of those households earn below 50% of their town’s area median income, with about 1,100 of these tenants facing active eviction proceedings of which UniteCT assistance helped the tenant remain housed and avoid eviction.

Historically high rents have caused a surge in evictions as thousands of families struggle to keep up with rising costs. The Eviction Prevention Fund can help people stay in their homes and is a critical part of the state's safety net.