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BERRIEN COUNTY — As the calendar flips to April, there is some relief available for those facing housing rent that have been affected financially by the COVID-19 threat. As businesses stay shuttered longer under mandates from the state to stay in compliance with efforts to slow the spread of the virus, the mention of paying bills, including rent, has been a point of conversation for many.

As of Monday, an executive order had come down from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer that all water services were to be restored to homes, if they had been shut off due to nonpayment.

“If you do not have water service due to non-payment, please contact the City of Niles Water Department so we can restore your water service,” announced Niles Mayor Nick Shelton on his Facebook page.

In addition to keeping utilities running, housing has also become a point of concern for some.

“This is a very unusual time and changing daily,” said Katie Montoya, assistant director of Community Development in Berrien County.

“Under the CARES Act, there is temporary relief for tenants in federally backed housing,” Montoya said.

She also referenced that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s recent actions.

“The governor has authorized and expanded unemployment benefits to self-employed and low-wage earners that have lost jobs due to COVID-19,” Montoya said.

Current resources available to renters are also detailed at Michigan.gov/coronavirus. Other resources may be reached by dialing 211 for other basic needs.

Montoya also sent a link that goes into detail for finding relief during the COVID-19 threat, at Investopedia.com/renters-how-to-get-covid-19-rent-relief-4800858.