WASHAKIE COUNTY – Today, Nov. 10 is the last day to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).

According to Kassie Nolting with Wyo Help, ERAP was created using money from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to assist qualifying low income households in paying their rent and utilities. It began in 2021, and was intended to continue until 2025.

Due to concerns of running out of funds, ERAP will no longer accept new applicants after Nov 10. It is currently not clear what this means for those already enrolled in the program, but Nolting says to expect a reduction in assistance through ERAP as it begins to phase out. She says that as ERAP ends, the consequences will be felt in Washakie County.

Nolting said that an estimated $400,000 in financial aid has been given to people in Washakie County through ERAP, and that the Worland office of Wyo Help receives new ERAP applications every day. Discontinuing the program will impact the ability of many local tenants to pay their rent.

Worland landlord Wanda Brown said. “Nearly half the tenants we rent to are involved in ERAP.”

Brown spoke highly of the positive impact ERAP has had on the lives of many of her tenants, saying that it allowed them to live their daily lives and provide for their families without worrying about whether they could afford to pay their rent.

She said “As you can see, ERAP, when it’s dissected out like this, helps our entire community. It helps support grocery stores, pharmacies, mechanics, utility companies, and landlords to name just a few.”

While ERAP may soon not be available, Nolting wanted to emphasize that Wyo Help is still available to offer help and assistance to those in need. Headquartered in Torrington, Wyo Help operates in Carbon, Goshen, Washakie, Crook, Niobrara and Weston counties, and has provided and facilitated over $3,000,000 in financial aid in these areas.

Aside from ERAP, Wyo Help also facilitates and helps pay for mental health, auto repairs, housing, food and health to those who qualify. The organization has been in Washakie County for two years, and will soon be starting a food bank in Worland that is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and will serve all who are in need.

In light of the halting of new applications for ERAP, Nolting recommends applying to Low Income Energy, Weatherization and Home Water Assistance Programs. These programs will cover costs for heating and water utilities. All those who would qualify for ERAP will also qualify for this. Applications can be filled at http://www.lieapwyo.org.

Nolting describes homelessness and a lack of warm clothing as serious issues faced by many in Washakie County at the moment, and encourages anyone in need of the services and assistance provided by Wyo Help to reach out.

Nolting is the new case manager in Washakie County. Her office is located at 1123 Big Horn Ave #C in Worland. You can find them online at http://www.wyohelp.com, or call to find out more at 307-532-0269.