Rent assistance will soon be available to qualifying residents of 11 Missouri counties.

The North East Community Action Corporation will open its waiting list for the HUD Section 8 program May 1st.

Applications may be accessed online at www.necac.org. NECAC will provide assistance to those without computer access.

Counties covered are Lewis, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Montgomery, Pike, Ralls, Randolph, Shelby and Warren. The Vandalia/Farber area also is included.

The program provides partial rent payments for low to moderate income residents. The rest is paid by the tenant. NECAC makes payments directly to private landlords and inspects the units. The agency has administered the program for more than 40 years.

Those who want more information, or do not have computer access, may call NECAC at 573-324-2055.