The county's human services department is asking the state for permission to move almost a half-million dollars from the county's stalled Homeless Prevention program into the Emergency Shelter program due to increased requests for the latter service.

Brandon Savochka, county human services director, received approval from the county commissioners at their Wednesday meeting to make the request of the state Department of Community and Economic Development, which provided the grant funds.

Savochka said he also will ask that the end date of the DCED grant's term be extended to June 1, 2022, so the county can offer the emergency shelter services for a longer period of time.

Department officials said there are several reasons for the lack of requests for homeless prevention services and an increase in emergency shelter needs.

The eviction moratorium that prohibits landlords from evicting nonpaying tenants, which was enacted due to employment issues associated with the coronavirus pandemic, has been extended to Oct. 3.

The moratorium means tenants are not leaving their homes, so fewer dwellings are available for emergency shelter purposes.

Also, those who normally stay with friends or family are being turned away during the pandemic, which also increases the need for emergency shelter.

The county is having capacity issues at shelters and has increased the number of individuals who are sent to the Super 8 Motel for emergency shelter as well.

Savochka said the eviction moratorium has caused a situation in which human services has not received requests for homeless prevention services from any eligible candidates.

Savochka reminds those who are behind in their rent that the county still has significant Emergency Rental Assistance funds, which were received by the county through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) grant during the pandemic.

He said the county was allocated $13.5 million and has only used $1.5 million in Emergency Rental Assistance funds.

The deadline to apply for the funds is Sept. 30.

Leslie Osche, commissioners chairwoman, said tenants who are taking advantage of the eviction moratorium should apply now for the Emergency Rental Assistance funds.

She said once the moratorium is lifted, there will likely be a glut in applications and lesser funds for individuals.

To apply for Emergency Rental Assistance funds, call the county Center for Community Resources at 844-360-4372.