People struggle to pay rent after hours cut, jobs lost amid COVID-19 pandemic

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's April 1, and for many people rent is due but some are struggling after getting their work hours cut due to the fallout from COVID-19. 

One woman CBS 58 spoke with had her hours cut from 40 to 18, and her husband lost his restaurant job after it closed. They say they are talking to their landlord to see if they can negotiate a lower payment during this time. 

That's exactly what Community Advocates, an organization that helps people pay their rent and energy bills, says you should do first.

Employees at Community Advocates will also talk to your landlord and try to get you help. They say if you are struggling financially but can pay rent, you should so you don't get months behind in the future. 

Jerry Anderson said said not only were his hours cut but his employer cut his pay and he is short on rent this month.

"It’s really bad when you don’t know what your landlord or homeowner is going to do and then they are reducing your hours as far as where you work. They want to cut your hours, cut your pay or don’t give you no money at all and the government is not doing anything," Anderson said.

If you need help paying rent and your hours were cut significantly, or you lost your job altogether, you qualify for rental assistance through Community Advocates. Call their office at 414-449-4777.