Apr 1, 2021 Apr 1, 2021 CHARLESTON â Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Housing Development Fund are excited to announce that a program developed to help renters and landlords impacted by COVID-19 is open and accepting applications. The Mountaineer Rental Assistance Program offers direct financial assistance to renters who have lost their jobs, had their income reduced or suffered a significant cost or financial hardship because of the COVID-19 Pandemic. âIâm incredibly excited for this program, because itâs going to enable us to get some much-needed financial assistance to so many people who really need it,â Justice said. âThis year has been challenging for so many West Virginians. Many lost their jobs and have struggled to pay rent through no fault of their own. Iâve said for a long time that we need to help our people affected by the pandemic this way. I repeatedly urged our landlords to give renters a break if they were past due on their bills because it was just the right thing to do. These are great West Virginians who are contributors to our economy in every way. Weâre all-in to help them, and I could not be happier about this wonderful program.â