TOLEDO, Ohio — A local program that has helped over Lucas County 4,000 households with rental assistance since the COVID-19 pandemic is ending this month.
Cynthia E. Savage says when she took over as Pathway, Inc.'s community resource director, there were 40 people in the department.
"Because of layoffs and programs ending, we are down to just under 10 individuals," she said.
That number will drop again when the organization's emergency rental assistance program ends. Through grants like the American Rescue Plan and CARES Act, Pathway was able to provide $40 million to Lucas County residents.
"We've been able to help so many people stay housed, to keep the lights on, to take care of old debts with utilities," Savage said.
While the loss of funding will affect her department's staff, it will have an even larger effect on the community.
"[The rental assistance program] coming to an end, although it has helped so many individuals, there are many more that need help right now that we would love to assist in some way," Savage said.
Emily Matthews is a program manager with United Way 211, a free hotline that helps connect people in northwest Ohio to programs.
"Rental calls are one of our top calls," Matthews said. "What we know is that if folks are calling us months in a row because they're unable to pay their rent. That eventually turns into an eviction and sometimes even homelessness."
But with rental programs like Pathway's ending, Matthews said it's becoming harder for United Way to help with rent payments. So, United Way gets creative and connects people to programs that can help reduce other expenses to free up budgets for rent.
While it's a solution, it still doesn't meet the needs that a rental assistance program can.
"We might have some other programs, but a major rental program is sorely needed in our area," Matthews said.
Pathway stopped accepting applications for the program on May 17 in order to finish the ones already submitted.
For those who do need help, you can dial 211 at any time to get in contact with United Way.