The city of St. Paul is offering up to $2,500 in emergency rental assistance for low-income tenants at risk of eviction. The “Emergency Rental Assistance and Eviction Prevention Program,” or ERA, is open for applications.
To receive ERA funds, landlords must agree to not evict the tenant receiving assistance. The goal of the program is to help prevent eviction and homelessness through one-time grants.
The program was funded by $1 million from this year’s city budget following collaboration from the mayor’s office, the Department of Planning and Economic Development, Ward 7 City Council Member Cheniqua Johnson’s office and the unanimous support of the city council. It revives and builds upon an anti-displacement program launched by the city during the COVID-19 pandemic using funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
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“My ward has one of the highest eviction rates in Ramsey County, and that is simply not okay,” said Johnson, in a written statement. “We needed to bring this program back, expand who we can help, and make sure resources reach people faster. Everyone deserves stable housing.”
To be eligible, applicants must be able to verify a household income at or below 80% of area median income and provide proof of a pending eviction such as a 14-day notice or housing court summons. The city council is exploring continuing to fund the program in 2026. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/EvictionHelpStp25.
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