The Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Phoenix has helped nearly 15,000 households experiencing hardship during the pandemic.

This translates to roughly 38,000 residents, according to the city of Phoenix dashboard.

The program has been helping Phoenix residents with housing and utility costs. Eligible participants receive up to $3,500 a month for a maximum of 18 months.

The city has received three rounds of funding totaling upwards of $140 million.

The Department of Human Services distributes the funds. They have already distributed more than $100 million in aid. Deputy Director Susan Hallett says there is still more rent and utility aid to distribute by the end of the year.

“We’ve spent over $100 million out to clients into the homes of Phoenix residents. We have roughly $22 million of that $140 million left," she said. 

$22 million needs to be spent by a Dec 29. 2022, deadline.

Hallett says it will get done. “We are actually really comfortable with the pace of our spending. We are really fortunate that we subcontracted with four community providers to assist with getting this last 35 million out the door," she said. 

The city is using subcontractors to distribute the remaining funds. They include Pilgrim Rest Foundation, St. Vincent de Paul, Foundation for Senior Living and Chicanos Por La Causa.