Thousands more District residents who are behind on rent will get help this year than previously expected. D.C. will put an extra $20.6 million into the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) in 2024, the Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed. The program, which helps cover late rent and legal costs for low-income residents facing eviction, has been overwhelmed by demand in recent months. The new funding will allow an additional 5,500 residents to apply for help this spring and summer, on top of the previously planned 7,000 applications for the remainder of the fiscal year.