Virginians facing eviction or foreclosure due to COVID-19 are eligible for funding from a new program.

The Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program will provide $50 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding, providing short-term financial assistance on behalf of households in the form of rent and mortgage payments, Gov. Ralph Northam announced on June 29.

Virginia’s Department of Housing and Community Development will administer this program through a variety of partners, including nonprofit organizations and local governments, which will receive upfront funds that they will distribute on behalf of eligible households. Individuals and families receiving funding will also be connected to housing counseling and receive other technical assistance.

Eligible households must demonstrate an inability to make rent or mortgage payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Monthly rent or mortgage must be at or below 150 percent fair market rent, a...