WEST CHESTER — Chester County officials remind all qualified county residents who may need rental assistance because of the impact of COVID-19, that applications for funding should be submitted by Monday, Dec. 14.
In September, the Chester County Commissioners approved $1.8 million in CARES funding to help cover rental payments and additional services such as utilities for those with job and income losses.
“Previous programs have provided up to $750 in rental assistance, but that is not enough to cover the cost of housing in Chester County,” said Pat Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development. “This additional funding provides a more practical option for families who have lost income due to this pandemic. While it has been available for a few months, we are sending a reminder now that the application deadline for funds is December 14th.”
Renters meeting the criteria of this rental assistance program should contact 211 and ask for assistance with rent payments.
The County’s rental assistance program provides for payment to be made within 48 hours, once all application forms are submitted with the necessary documentation. The assistance is for individuals and families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic who are unable to pay their rent and are in danger of becoming homeless without assistance. The funding will be disbursed by the Housing Authority of Chester County to implement its Homeless Prevention and Rental Assistance Program, and will complement additional funding that the County and the PA Housing Finance Agency have provided.
“It is important to keep Chester County families in their homes and this funding will help to prevent them from moving into emergency shelters or other homeless situations,” added Bokovitz.
Qualified applicants can receive assistance that may cover up to a six-month period beginning March 1, 2020 and simply need to contact 211 and ask for assistance with rent payments. The household must also have family income below the Chester County median income limits.
