Pennsylvania Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Pennsylvania CARES+ Programs:

• State of Pennsylvania CARES Rent Relief Program (RRP) 

Governor Wolf signed legislation allocating some of the federal CARES Act funding, which included a $175M allocation for a COVID-19 Relief Mortgage and Rental Assistance Program and an additional $10M for Homeless Assistance Grants. While PHFA administers the program, it is partnering with local agencies to distribute it at the local level.

• Allentown COVID Rental Assistance Program

Allentown recently set aside $400,000.00 to help low-income residents, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, pay rent. While the funds were made available on Friday, May 1st, the response was so “overwhelming,” the program was closed after one day.

• Altoona Rent and Mortgage Assistance Program 

Altoona has received $305,000 in Community Development Block Grant money from the federal government to help people at risk of eviction because of COVID-19. The latest funding will provide temporary rental or mortgage assistance for up to six months, according to the city’s Deputy Community Development Director Carl Fischer and Casey.

• Resident Subsistence Program:City of Bloomsburg

Residents of the City of Bloomsburg may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 to prevent homelessness. The Resident Subsistence Program is being offered in response to COVID-19, using CARES Act funds to support hard-hit residents and families. The City of Bloomsburg, AGAPE, and SEDA-COG have $119,770 to distribute to at-risk residents.

• Chester County Rental Assistance Program 

To combat an anticipated increase in evictions due to COVID-19, the Chester County Commissioners approved this week $1.8 million in CARES funding to help cover rental payments and additional services for those with job and income losses.

• Harrisburg Rental Assistance Program 

The City of Harrisburg’s Department of Building & Housing Development (DBHD) has committed $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funds to assist residents facing eviction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this program, Harrisburg residents may qualify for assistance with rental payments, mortgage payments, and past utility bills.

• COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program: Lehigh and Northampton Counties

The COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program was formed to help renters stay in their homes and landlords received back rent.

• Philidelphia COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program 

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney launched the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. The first round provided funding for more than 4,000 households.

• Philidelphia COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase 2 

Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program was substantially revised with a second round of funding. The second round of funding was announced in late June, to provide help to about 6,300 more people, with eligibility requirements broadened. The program is funded through the state program, which provides $750/month, and is being matched through city funds for a total of $1500/month.

• Pittsburgh Housing Stabilization Fund Program

The Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh establishes a Housing Stabilization Fund to provide short-term assistance to workers who have experienced a reduction in hours and are facing a financial hardship to pay rent and utilities.

• York County COVID-19 Response Fund

The York County COVID-19 Response Fund, organized by United Way of York County and the York County Community Foundation and philanthropic partners, is providing assistance to nonprofit organizations throughout York County. The Fund aids organizations that are providing food and shelter for the most vulnerable community members.