LINCOLN — Nebraska has distributed only a fraction of the federal pandemic assistance allocated to make evictions for unpaid rent unnecessary, but a new federal eviction moratorium may give more time for the relief to reach renters and landlords.

Through the end of July, the state as a whole had paid out just $27.3 million — or 13.6% — of the $200 million in emergency rental assistance allocated for Nebraska by Congress.

The pandemic-related program was created to help keep renters in their homes and landlords in the black. For those who qualify, the aid can make a huge difference, said Jane Gordon, program director for the Christian Outreach Program — Elkhorn, which is administering rental assistance for Douglas County outside of Omaha.

“In some cases, this radically changes somebody’s life” by lifting their debt burden and giving them up to three months of breathing room, she said.

But the success of the aid varies widely between Nebraska’s large urban areas and the rest of the state. Omaha, Douglas County and Lincoln have gotten about 50% or more of their money out the door already, according to figures provided by state and local programs.

Nebraska’s two largest cities are on track to use up the rest of their allocation before the end of the year, and both have applied for a second round of assistance money.

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