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A growing demand for rental properties has widened the gap between earnings and housing costs for many blue-collar workers, and tens of thousands of renters in the region do not earn enough to reasonably afford basic housing units, according to a new report.--Staff Photo by Ty Greenlees

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

A growing demand for rental properties has widened the gap between earnings and housing costs for many blue-collar workers, and tens of thousands of renters in the region do not earn enough to reasonably afford basic housing units, according to a new report.--Staff Photo by Ty Greenlees

As much as $8 million will become available in April to Montgomery County residents struggling to pay rent or utilities due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The county is working on a program to distribute Emergency Rental Assistance funds approved by Congress at the end of December. The new American Rescue Plan also includes housing assistance.