What is the CARES Act?
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law in March 2020. As one of the most significant relief packages in U.S. history, it included provisions for emergency rental assistance to support renters affected by the pandemic—aiming to stabilize housing and prevent evictions.
Emergency Rental Assistance Allocations
Under the CARES Act, the federal government launched the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program in two phases:
- ERA1 (via the Consolidated Appropriations Act, Dec 2020)
- ERA2 (via the American Rescue Plan Act, Mar 2021)
These programs provided funds directly to state and local governments to assist households struggling with rent and utilities due to COVID-19.
Federal Funding Breakdown
Mississippi received approximately $200 million through ERA1 and ERA2. The state received around $186 million, while the remainder went to counties like Harrison and Hinds via direct federal allocations.
Mississippi Rental Assistance Programs Overview
RAMP – Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program
Launched by the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) in 2021, RAMP (Rental Assistance for Mississippians Program) was the state’s primary rental aid initiative using federal ERA funds.
RAMP officially stopped accepting applications on August 15, 2022. Remaining funds were returned to the U.S. Treasury as directed by the state government.
Who Administered RAMP?
RAMP was managed by MHC, in partnership with local agencies including:
- Open Doors Homeless Coalition
- Central Mississippi Continuum of Care
- Pearl River Valley Opportunity (PRVO)
Timeline and Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2021 | RAMP launches under MHC with CARES funding |
| Mid‑2021 | Agencies like PRVO begin distributing funds locally |
| Aug 15, 2022 | Applications closed; remaining funds returned |
| Sept 2022 – 2025 | No new RAMP applications accepted; ERA2 still open federally |
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for rental assistance through RAMP, applicants needed to meet these criteria:
- Household income below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
- Documented COVID-related financial hardship
- Proof of housing instability or risk of homelessness
Required documents included proof of income, a lease agreement, a hardship statement, and landlord contact information.
Tenant vs. Landlord Requirements
- Tenants: Responsible for completing the application and providing documentation.
- Landlords: Received direct payments but had to agree to program conditions and provide verification.
Covered Expenses
RAMP funds could be used for:
- Up to 12 months of past-due rent
- Up to 3 months of future rent
- Utilities: electric, water, gas, sewer, and trash removal (not cable or internet)
In total, eligible households could receive up to 15 months of assistance.
2025 Update – Is Rental Assistance Still Available in Mississippi?
What Happened to the RAMP Program?
As of 2025, RAMP remains closed. It stopped accepting applications in August 2022, and the unspent funds—estimated at up to $130 million—were returned to the U.S. Treasury.
No official plans have been announced for reopening or launching a similar state-level program.
Alternative Resources in 2025
Families in need of housing assistance in 2025 can explore the following resources:
- Community Action Agencies for emergency rental and utility help
- HUD programs, including Section 8 vouchers
- The Salvation Army and other faith-based organizations
- Catholic Charities USA
- Legal Aid services for eviction defense
Key Insights and Research
- Mississippi received approximately $200 million in federal ERA funding
- By late 2022, less than 70% of those funds were spent
- According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Mississippi was among the slowest states in disbursement
- Urban Institute research confirmed significant administrative delays
Expert Quotes
“The need didn’t go away when the program ended. Many families are still facing housing insecurity.”
— J. Smith, Mississippi Housing Alliance
“Transparency and efficiency must improve in future rental relief efforts.”
— Urban Institute Policy Report, 2022
FAQs About Rental Assistance in Mississippi
Q1: Can I still apply for CARES Act rental assistance in Mississippi in 2025?
A: No. The RAMP program ended in 2022. ERA1 expired in 2022, and while ERA2 remains technically available until September 30, 2025, Mississippi is no longer accepting applications at the state level.
Q2: What documents were required for rental assistance applications?
A: Applicants needed to submit proof of income, a signed lease agreement, a statement describing COVID-related hardship, and contact details for their landlord.
Q3: Is there eviction protection in Mississippi now?
A: Federal eviction moratoriums have ended. However, tenants can still contact legal aid providers for help managing disputes or accessing local protections.
Q4: What help is available if I missed program deadlines?
A: You may still qualify for local support through Community Action Agencies, Section 8 housing vouchers, or faith-based relief services like The Salvation Army.
Case Studies and Real‑World Examples
Jackson Family Avoids Eviction With CARES Act Help
In 2021, the Jackson family lost income after one parent was laid off. They applied to RAMP in June, and by September, they received full back rent and utility payments. The program helped them avoid eviction and stabilize their housing situation.
Landlord Perspective – Delays in Reimbursement
Landlords across Mississippi reported waiting as long as 60–90 days for payments due to processing lags. While payment caps increased from $10,000 to $30,000 per household, administrative delays caused frustration and financial strain for many landlords.
Conclusion
Although Mississippi received substantial federal funding through the CARES Act and the Mississippi ERA programs, distribution delays and slow rollouts left many families unassisted. RAMP closed in 2022, but the need for rental aid continues in 2025. Tenants and landlords alike must now rely on alternative resources to navigate the housing challenges ahead.
Next Steps for Readers
- Find your local Community Action Agency
- Visit HUD.gov to learn about Section 8 vouchers
- Explore energy aid through LIHEAP
- Contact Legal Aid if you are facing eviction
- Connect with local nonprofits and faith-based organizations for emergency housing support
