Gov. Ned Lamont and state Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquera-Bruno announced Wednesday that the Connecticut Department of Housing is creating a fund that will give up to $5,000 to renters facing eviction because they owe past rent.

The Eviction Prevention Fund will use $12.5 million in funding from UniteCT and the Rent Bank.

“This fund will enable renters who have been struggling with back rent to remain in their homes while providing payments to landlords on their behalf. I encourage anyone who is in need of assistance to reach out and see if they are eligible,” Lamont said.

To apply, tenants must call the UniteCT Call Center at 1-844-864-8328 and be screened for eligibility. If a tenant requires but does not have legal representation, they will have access to mediators at Quinnipiac University’s Center on Dispute Resolution.

Mosquera-Bruno added said, “With these resources, we expect to assist individuals and families to remain housed, while also providing landlords with some financial relief.”