Emergency Rental Assistance Program to conclude in Winnebago County

Date: Wednesday, August 17, 2022

WINNEBAGO COUNTY, Ill. – The Winnebago County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) is nearing completion following more than a year of providing rental and utility assistance to households impacted financially due to the COVID pandemic.

In total, more than $15 million was awarded to Winnebago County to be used for rent and utility assistance, with less than ten (10) percent being allocated to administrative costs. As of August 2022, Winnebago County Emergency Rental Assistance (WCERA) has successfully given aid to 1,894 households in the area for a total of $13,406,985.47.

WCERA was created using the funding allocation from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program as established by the United States Department of the Treasury. WCERA provided up to eighteen (18) months of rental assistance and utility/home energy assistance to eligible Winnebago County renter households, with the goal of increasing housing stability for landlords and preventing evictions for residents.

"On a professional level, it feels good to have been able to help tenants and landlords during some of their hardest times," said Karen Hernandez, Program Manager for WCERA.

The remainder of ERAP 1 funding will be disbursed by the end of September, with remaining ERAP 2 funds set to be disbursed by the end of the 2022.

For any additional questions, please call 815.972.RENT or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..