MICHIGAN (WNEM) — The state unveiled new funding to help tenants avoid eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) announced a new $282 million rental assistance program to help residents with any pandemic-related hardships. An additional $340 million is available to be appropriated by the state legislature, which brings the program’s total funding to $622 million. The COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program replaces the popular Eviction Diversion Program (EDP) that MSHDA started in July. It helped about 16,000 households across the state avoid eviction and get current on rent, according to MSHDA. “For so many Michiganders, the fear of losing their home during the pandemic has been very real,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “That’s why I took steps to mitigate evictions with a moratorium and the Eviction Diversion Program last year. I was proud to sign this legislation bringing more federal funds into MSHDA to help individuals and families by alleviating the burden of rent and utility payments.”