3News' Marisa Saenz has more on how the state of Ohio may have to forfeit millions in COVID-19 federal funds.

Neal Robinson is packing his things.

And he’s not alone.

Robinson is among nearly 250,000 other Ohioans facing evictions in the wake of the pandemic – all despite the state receiving over $560 million in federal funds earmarked especially for rental assistance.

Compounding the issue, a 3News Investigates review has found Ohio could forfeit over $100 million the state has yet to distribute to renters and landlords throughout the state.

Robinson’s eviction from his apartment came after a job loss, a Covid-19 case, and a neurological disorder that still impacts his day to day life.

“I was getting paid every week but like I said, as much as I was making, I was giving out. And I just got behind. And could never catch up,” Robinson said.

Robinson, who is single, applied to assistance, but is now living temporarily with friends.

“I know I’m not the only one in this position…but you know,” he said. “People should keep their word.”

The rental assistance funds came via Congress, one of three spending packages designed to help Americans during the pandemic.

Ohio received the 9th highest total distribution in the U.S. while its housing costs remains among the nation’s lowest.

But instead of developing an online platform for residents to apply for assistance, Ohio passed that responsibility to local community action agencies.

Some agencies, like in Summit County, have spent every dollar received from the state. Others, like Stark County, have struggled.

And others, like CHN Housing, which handled distribution for Cuyahoga County, said they’ve also spent all the state money received.

However, the agency declined to discuss the rental assistance program when contacted by 3News Investigates.

Ohio ranked 43rd among U.S. states by spending just 18 percent of its federal covid assistance dollars. Another study gave Ohio a zero-star rating, the lowest possible. for its rental assistance program.

In a 10-page Improvement Plan provided to federal officials, the state pledged to improve its efforts by the Feb. 28 deadline.

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