Governor Gordon Begins Preparations for Implementation of Federal Rental Assistance Program

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has issued an executive order that will allow the Wyoming Department of Family Services to begin its preparations to administer the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. According to a media release from the Governor’s office, this will allow the State to prepare its distribution plan for the program while providing the opportunity to work with the Legislature on details before launching the program.

Governor Gordon said the need for this program cannot be understated, but it requires significant work to run it effectively and that’s what begins now. Gordon further added that Wyoming’s network of nonprofit and community service organizations continue to report statistics demonstrating Wyomingites’ need for relief during the global pandemic and historic recession, and he looks forward to working with legislators to establish the program.  The federal government has provided the State with $200 million in funding to cover rent and utility costs for citizens struggling financially due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Department of Family Services intends to work alongside a coalition of state entities and community stakeholders to ensure that every eligible Wyomingite knows about and has access to the program. Specifically, the Department of Workforce Services will play an integral role in both the current planning stage and the program’s implementation. The Governor looks forward to working with the Wyoming Legislature when they reconvene in March to take the final steps to implement this program. Applications for relief are not available at this time. Once an application process is in place, the Department of Family Services, the Department of Workforce Services, and stakeholders will publicize that process.