The Housing Foundation for Sarpy County is accepting applications from eligible county residents to help pay past-due rent and mortgage payments resulting from lost income related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The foundation – which is a nonprofit affiliate of the Bellevue Housing Agency serving Sarpy County – plans to distribute about $850,000 in federal CARES Act funding from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services as well as $850,000 from a partnership with the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation and the Sherwood Foundation.

The funds will be given on a first-come, first-approved basis, according to a news release.

The money is available to pay past-due rent and mortgage payments for up to four months, with a maximum grant of $4,000. The program aims to help low to moderate income Sarpy County residents who have seen a decline in income due to the pandemic and now face eviction or foreclosure.

Money is paid directly to the applicant’s landlord or mortgage company. To apply, complete the form at sarpyhousing.org. A list of supporting documents and the complete eligibility requirements are also available on the website.

Carolyn Pospisil, the foundation’s executive director, expects to be able to provide assistance to about 800 people or families.

“We look forward to being able to assist as many Sarpy County residents as we can based on the funds available,” Pospisil said.