In Washington, everyone is blaming everyone else for the failure to pass a second coronavirus relief act and they are all probably right.

But the good news is that there is still money available from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which Congress did manage to pass back in March.

Greensboro has money available and is still accepting applications for rent and mortgage assistance. To qualify for rent or mortgage assistance your household income must be no more than 80 percent of the area median income. Your home has to be in the Greensboro city limits and you must be at least 18 years old. You also have to have been current on your rent or mortgage through February and missed at least one payment since April 1. Previously you had to have missed one payment between April 1 and June 30, but that has been extended.

If you are eligible you can receive up to $1,500 in rent or mortgage assistance. The rent assistance is payable to your landlord and the mortgage assistance is payable to the mortgage company. Mortgage assistance is only available on a primary residence.

If you qualify for rent assistance you may also be eligible for up to $400 for utilities under the same criteria.

The rent and utility assistance program is being administered by the Greensboro Housing Coalition and more information can be found at greensborohousingcoalition.org or by calling 336-691-9521.

The mortgage assistance program is being administered by Housing Consultants Group and more information can be found at www.housingconsultantsgroup.org or by calling 336-553-0946, ext. 2.

So far in Greensboro the rent and utility assistance program has made rent and utility payments totaling $144,000 and the mortgage assistance program has made $49,000 in mortgage payments.

For those wondering if they qualify, for a one person household in Greensboro, 80 percent of the area median income is $37,050 and for a two person household it is $42,350.