Worried About Rent? Arizona Just Created an Eviction Prevention Program to Help.

Arizona lawmakers passed a bill that provides $100 million in health and community relief for those hurt financially by the coronavirus outbreak. 

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday urged Arizonans to be understanding and reasonable as individuals and businesses face April 1 due dates for bills such as mortgages, rent, utilities and internet service.

“The world has changed since March 1″ and that bills previously paid routinely “are now a struggle for many people and small businesses,” Ducey posted on Twitter.

In response to the financial toll the coronavirus has taken, the state legislature passed a series of bills that provide more than $100 million in emergency funding for health and community relief. Included in relief efforts is funding for eviction and foreclosure prevention.

The Arizonan Department of Housing was given an initial $5 million specifically for coronavirus-related assistance. Those who are un able to make their mortgage payment or pay rent can apply for aid through the housing department’s website.

Ducey said he wants and expects that no family, individual or business should face eviction or lose critical services because of hardships caused by the coronavirus.

“It’s basic decency,” he said.

Ducey said people and businesses should pay their bills if they can afford to do so and that people who can’t should talk to their landlords or lenders.

“I expect them to work with you; to be good citizens; and to treat people and small businesses with dignity — not lock them out or kick them to the curb,” he said, adding, “We’re all Arizonans and we’ll get through this together.”

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this story.