The economic crisis caused by the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic created an urgent need for rental assistance throughout our community. In May 2023, the City of Meridian awarded the Ada County Housing Authority (ACHA) $200,000 to distribute emergency rental assistance to support low income Meridian families who were impacted by the pandemic. Funding for the program was allocated to ACHA through the City of Meridian’s Community Development Block Grant- CARES Act.  The funding required expedited methods of getting the monies out to those in need as quickly as possible. Assistance was made available in May 2023 and funds were fully exhausted by August 2023.