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CARES Act Eviction Moratorium expires at the end of this month

Posted at 10:19 PM, Dec 04, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-04 23:19:56-05

Many across Central Texas could be a facing eviction after the CARES Act protection expires this month.

Local hip hop artist Leon Hinton is one of the many Central Texans struggling to pay rent because of the pandemic.

“Before COVID, I was doing a lot of performances and stuff,” said Killeen Resident Leon Hinton. “That’s where most of my money comes from so when COVID started, performances stopped. It was kind of low for me to keep up with my bills and stuff. It was literally hurting.”

Thanks to COVID-19 relief rental assistance Hinton received in May, he still had a place to lay his head for now.

“It was really devastating to which I didn’t know I was going to live here or not. It kind of gave me extra room to pretty much get back on my feet,” said Hinton.

Millions across our nation are at risk of being evicted after the CARES Act Eviction Moratorium expires at the end of this month, unless the federal government steps in.

“We still get quite a few calls for people that need help but have nothing to do with COVID-19. However, out of the calls we do get, there are still quite a few that need that assistance because of COVID,” said United Way of Central Texas Vice President of Resource Development Veshell Greene.

Greene said there are still several ways those in need can get housing assistance. She also said they're still offering services in Belton and Temple.

“They can pay one to two maybe even three months worth of utility bills for the Belton residence. Temple residents...they can help with rent or mortgage or utilities,” said Greene.

She said their money is not tied into the CARES Act and they plan to use the funds for their program until it runs out.

Killeen city officials say they're also offering utility assistance to help those impacted by the outbreak.