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The latest news about the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 in Montana.

State returns some COVID housing funds, says rental assistance is still available

The state of Montana has returned roughly $53 million from its emergency rental assistance program to the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The federal assistance program funded during the pandemic is meant to help people behind on their rent.

The Montana commerce department says some of the money was returned to the federal treasury and reallocated to states that have spent a majority of their initial funding. Commerce officials previously told MTPR that it was unlikely that all the money would be used because demand was low in the state.

According to its guidelines, the treasury started reclaiming excess money in September of last year.

Montana has given out arount $46 million to assistance applicants. The commerce department says it still has money for rental assistance and encourages those in need to apply.

More information on how to apply for the program can be found at housing.mt.gov.

Freddy Monares was a reporter and Morning Edition host at Montana Public Radio.
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