The City of Sparks and Reno Housing Authority are partnering to provide rental assistance funding to qualifying residents of Sparks.
Up to $3 million will be spent on assistance.
The funding comes from Assembly Bill 396, which aims to support elderly individuals, persons with disabilities, and families or individuals facing unexpected emergencies.
Under the bill, the City of Sparks received $1.5 million for fiscal year 2023/24 and anticipates an additional $1.5 million next fiscal year.
The City has developed two programs for those facing hardships: the Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program and the Senior Short-Term Rental Assistance Program.
The Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program is designed to protect households facing eviction due to financial hardship or emergencies.
The funds, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, will be provided as a grant to eligible Sparks households. The assistance may cover past rent, including late fees, and future rent, not to exceed three months total.
The Senior Short-Term Rental Assistance Program offers seniors 62 years or older up to $500 per month for six months if they are unable to pay rent due to rent increases or financial hardships.
To be eligible for rental assistance, households must:
- Earn at or below 80% of the current published United States Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Income Limits for Washoe County.
- Be a tenant in the City of Sparks with a current, active lease.
- Demonstrate financial hardship or emergency.
To apply for either the Eviction Prevention Rental Assistance Program or the Senior Short-Term Rental Assistance Program, contact the City of Sparks at (775) 353-1648 or coshousing@cityofsparks.us.
