April 1: Providing Relief to Arizonans Impacted by COVID-19

The Governor met with representatives from utilities, banks, internet providers, landlords and more to ensure Arizonans don’t see critical services shut off and are allowed to remain in their homes. These meetings have been followed by executive orders and agreements that protect consumers.

These steps include:

• Partnering with the state’s banks to protect small businesses and families from eviction and foreclosure. Under the agreement, banks are suspending evictions and foreclosures for at least 60 days, with the potential to extend that period for the duration of the state’s emergency declaration. Banks also committed to expediting the application and approval of small business loans as part of the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program passed by Congress and signed into law last week.
• Issuing an executive order delaying the enforcement of eviction action orders for renters impacted by COVID-19. The order applies to renters who are quarantining due to COVID-19 or are facing economic hardship as a result of the outbreak. It will remain in effect for 120 days.
• Announcing $5 million in new resources to help Arizonans struggling to make rent due to COVID-19.
• Securing a cooperative agreement with the state’s largest electric utilities to continue to provide reliable electricity to homes, hospitals, and businesses while making sure that Arizona residents facing financial difficulties will have choice, assistance, and reliable access to electricity.
• Extending the state income tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020 to match the new federal deadline.

This morning, Governor Ducey stated that, “no family, individual or small business should face eviction or lose critical services because of hardships caused by #COVID19.” Read his full statement HERE.

In addition, The Arizona Department of Housing offers assistance to Arizonans struggling to make mortgage payments through the Department’s “Save Our Home AZ” (SOHAZ) program. They also offer assistance to individuals struggling to pay their rent due to COVID-19 circumstances through their new Rental Eviction Prevention Assistance program.

Questions about these programs may be directed to the Arizona Department of Housing, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. by calling (602) 771-1000 or by visiting housing.az.gov.

Additionally, the Governor launched the Arizona Together initiative to support Arizonans during the COVID-19 outbreak, connecting individuals and businesses to resources, raising money for community organizations and providing information on volunteer opportunities. A website, ArizonaTogether.org, serves as the centralized location for Arizonans to find help or provide support.

For more information about Arizona’s COVID-19 response efforts, click HERE.