Gilbert, Ariz. - The Gilbert Town Council voted Tuesday night to approve a Human Services Accountability Contract authorizing $7.7M from the CIP Contingency Fund to be used for Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) services to assist Gilbert households that are unable to pay rent and utilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gilbert received the funds through the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, a federal COVID-19 relief bill. These funds must be utilized by December 31, 2021.

The $7.7M Gilbert received will be allocated to the following nonprofits to directly assist residents in need:

• $6,531,561 to AZCEND
• $1,200,000 to Save the Family

Gilbert hopes the funds will available by early March. More information will be posted on Gilbert's rent and utility assistance page when available.