We explore the critical world of housing assistance with our special guests, Jennifer Tiedt and Brittany Kunkler, who are coordinators of the COAAA Housing Assistance Program.

Jennifer and Brittany will discuss the challenges, successes, and operational insights of the program, including the daily intake and processing of emergency rental assistance requests, the significant impact of community referrals, and the regulatory landscape affecting both landlords and tenants.

Top Takeaways

1. **Comprehensive Assistance**: The COAAA Housing Assistance Program serves as a crucial resource providing extensive support.

2. **Diverse Funding Sources**: The program utilizes a variety of funding streams.

3. **Community Collaboration**: Strong partnerships with community organizations and reliance on community referrals enhance the outreach and effectiveness of the program.

4. **One-Time Assistance Limitation**: While the program offers significant immediate help, it is limited to one-time financial assistance.

5. **Documentation and Verification**: Applicants must provide thorough documentation, such as identification and proof of income, which is crucial for ensuring that assistance is delivered to those who truly need it.

6. **Short to Long Processing Times**: The timeline for processing applications can vary significantly—from a day up to two months—depending on various factors like apartment acceptance and documentation verification.

7. **Legislative Support for Rent Payments**: Recent legislation in Columbus that mandates landlords to accept third-party rent payments (with some exceptions) is a significant step towards reducing obstacles.

8. **Challenges with Affordability and Rent Burden**: Increasing rental rates and the scarcity of affordable housing particularly impact seniors and individuals with disabilities, highlighting an urgent need for more inclusive and affordable housing solutions.

9. **Advocacy for Expanded Funding and Policy Changes**: There is a pressing need for advocacy to secure more funding and to push for policy changes.

10. **Necessity for a Multifaceted Approach to Housing Crisis**: The episode stresses the importance of a multifaceted approach that includes building more affordable housing, enhancing support networks, and fostering community awareness and involvement.

Memorable Moments

03:33 Rental rates rise, fixed incomes struggle, housing shortage.

07:30 Assisting struggling individuals with housing challenges is difficult.

10:18 Criteria: age, income, and location specified.

15:44 Variable timeline depending on internal or external referral.

18:03 Limited options for utility payment without agreement.

20:59 Connect people with resources, and take referrals daily.

25:46 Tracking housing assistance and collaborating with community organizations.

31:31 Expand funding to reach all clients, everywhere.

34:04 Columbus has disparities in meeting community needs.

Let me know what you think of this podcast, as well as any ideas you have for an episode. Email me at [email protected]!

Copyright 2025 Central Ohio Area Agency On Aging

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