Community Progress Council (CPC) recently launched a $13 million Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) to help York County residents who need financial assistance with rent and utility payments. CPC has begun to process nearly 400 online applications and allocate payments to tenants who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. An additional 270 applications are in progress.

The ERAP, part of the federal COVID Relief Package approved by Congress in December 2020, specifically targets renters across York County. Residents may apply for rental assistance, utility assistance, or both. People must live in York County and be a renter to qualify.

Utility payments will be for arrearages only, but will include electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash. Fuel oil will be covered under another funding stream. Residents must have utility bills showing past-due amounts and proof of York County residency ready to upload through the online applications.

Processing for either rental assistance or utility assistance may take several weeks. All communication between CPC and applicants, including status updates, will occur through email. Updates on an application's status will not be given over the phone or in person.

Residents who need assistance with filling out an online application can make appointments with one of more than 20 partnering organizations listed at http://www.yorkcpc.org. Applicants may also designate a collaborator to work with them to complete the application.

This new program, in collaboration with York County, aims to allow more residents to seek help with their finances. Interested applicants are encouraged to visit the aforementioned website for a full list of eligibility requirements and documents to have ready, tutorial videos and more. Applications, as well as instructions and tutorials, are available in English and Spanish.