Emergency Funds Provide Grants

Individuals and families in Chester County who are facing challenges in paying rent and utility bills brought on by the pandemic can receive help through the Chester County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program. Chester County has received $34.5 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to help cover emergency rental and utility bills for individuals and families who have been severely impacted by COVID-19.

The emergency rent and utility funding enables those who qualify to stay in their homes and cover basic living expenses. The grants are available to individuals and families in Chester County who are obligated to pay rent and who qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19; demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability; and have a household income at or below 80% of the area median. For a family of one, the median is $54,150, and for a family of four, the amount is $77,300. These amounts may be subject to change.

Those who are eligible can use the emergency rent and utility funding to pay for outstanding rent, electricity, gas, water, and sewer, as well as energy costs such as fuel oil or propane, over a 15-month period. To apply for funding, residents should call 211 and request rent and utility assistance. Three housing organizations - Friends Association, the Housing Authority of Chester County, and Open Hearth Inc. - will work with the applicants to process payments to landlords and utility providers.

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