The Arkansas Fresh Start COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program (referred to herein as the “Fresh Start Program” and the “program”) is designed to provide short-term rental assistance to individuals and families in Arkansas who are experiencing housing instability, as well as landlords who are experiencing loss of revenues due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the temporary halt by the CDC on residential evictions to help prevent further spread of the virus. The combined effects of housing instability and loss of rental income hinders the economic recovery within Arkansas.

Based on the forgoing economic development need, and pursuant to the authority granted under Ark. Code Ann. § 15-4-209(a)(1) and § 15-4-209(b)(5), the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (“AEDC”) is establishing the Fresh Start Program to address this need and in so doing benefit the economy of Arkansas.