Love Columbia's rental assistance fund runs out of federal funds. Here's how to help

Love Columbia's rent assistance fund has essentially run out of money and the service organization is asking the public to make donations to it.

Increased rent prices has meant Love Columbia has exhausted remaining pandemic funds for eviction prevention.

Remaining funds were expended in August and Love Columbia received notice Aug. 19 that further federal stimulus funds carried from the pandemic are no longer available. Donations are being taken through the Love Columbia website, at lovecolumbia.org/rent . One-time or sustaining monthly donations are accepted.

"This leaves only very limited nonpandemic grant funding for rental assistance and private fundraising to assist our neighbors in keeping their homes," Love Columbia said, adding more than $800,000 was expended of pandemic funds to prevent evictions in Boone County to help households experiencing instability.

Columbia average rent prices are $861 for a one-bedroom and up to $1,620 for a four-bedroom, which means a person needs $16.56 to $31.15 an hour to pay for housing and not be cost-burdened, Love Columbia said.

Love Columbia aided 2,049 household and prevented 712 evictions in the first half of the year through its services, financial assistance and other housing counseling. A leading predictor of eviction is having children, Love Columbia said. Columbia Public Schools reported 614 students experienced homelessness during the previous school year, Love Columbia added.

"Once a family tumbles into homelessness, it is very difficult for them to regain stability, leading to both generational and community risks," Love Columbia said. "Transiency is the leading cause of poor academic performance, and children are at greater risk for child neglect or abuse following an eviction."

This could lead to the likelihood children are placed in foster care.

This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Love Columbia's rental assistance fund runs out of federal funds. Here's how to help