(Radio Iowa) – The state is offering a lifeline to people impacted by the pandemic, but so far very few have accepted. Several weeks ago, the Iowa Finance Authority opened its Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Program. Roger Pavey, executive director of Community Action of Eastern Iowa, says it’s for people who’ve lost income due to COVID-19 and have not received federal unemployment benefits under the CARES Act.

“Sometimes it’s just people choosing to not file for unemployment because they have some other, still-lesser opportunity but maybe better than drawing unemployment,” Pavey says. “And then we have a lot of people who maybe they were doing gig-type work – Uber, Lyft, Grub Hub, babysitting – informally on the side.”

Pavey’s agency serves Scott, Muscatine, Clinton and Cedar counties, and as of last week, just 42 people from those four had applied. He’s heard similar reports from other agencies across the state. One possible explanation is applying through the Iowa Finance Authority is, in his words, “cumbersome,” so his agency will help people apply. Income limits vary by county (80% of median income in each county), and those who qualify can receive up to four months of rent or mortgage payments, up to a maximum of 3,200 dollars.

The deadline to apply is December 31st, or when the money runs out – 15 million dollars has been allocated to the program.