Erie County Department of Human Services announces the launch of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program beginning Monday, March 29.
For eligible participants, funding can pay for up to a total of 12 months’ rent and/or utilities. Rental arrears can be paid from March 13, 2020. No rental/utility arrears prior to March 13, 2020, are covered by these funds.
Funding can pay for three months prospective rent (forward rent), providing there has been assistance to reduce rental arrears, and it does not exceed the 12-month cap. Tenants do not have to be in arrears to be eligible for prospective rent. Security Deposit and some Housing Stability services are also covered with these funds.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant financial impact on so many in our county,” said John DiMattio, director of the Erie County Department of Human Services. “This rental assistance program will help a considerable number of families stabilize their housing during these challenging times.”
Eligibility requirements:
- One or more individuals within the household has qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 outbreak;
- One or more individuals within the household can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and
- The household has a household income at or below 80% of area median income.
Area Median Income Information can be found at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/coronavirus/Documents/ERAP%20Income%20Limits%20of%20AMI%20by%20County.pdf
“I’m grateful for the dedication of many to get this much-needed aid out to our residents most in need of housing assistance in Erie County,” said County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper. “This is just another example of the concerted effort of federal, state and local governments working collectively during this pandemic.”
Beginning March 29, applications will be available online and in person by appointment at Erie County Care Management, 1601 Sassafras St.
For more information, call 814-923-5512 or email rent@eccm.org.
