The Adams County Commissioners approved $2,147,170 in Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2 (ERAP 2) funding on Wednesday. ERAP 2 extends the ERAP 1 rental assistance program to households that were negatively impacted during the time of COVID (March 13, 2020 to present) but not due to COVID.
ERAP funds come from the federal government and are administered through South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP).
The funds assist households with rent, past due rent, electric, trailer lot rent, as well as long-term housing hotels, motels, and boarding home costs. In addition to rent, ERAP funds can cover past-due electricity, gas, and water/sewer/trash bills as well as fuel oil purchases. The funds can also cover rental late fees, legal eviction fees, and security deposits for those that were displaced. Both landlord and tenants may apply for assistance.
To qualify for ERAP funds, a family must be under 80% of median income, must be at risk of homelessness (late on rent or utilities), or have had a decrease in income or an increase in expenses since March 13, 2020. An Adams County family of 4 qualifies with income under $68,500.
Since March 2021 SCCAP has distributed about 48% of the ERAP 1 funds, helping 549 Adams County families with an average of $4,900 towards rent and utilities. That leaves just over $3,510,000 available to those in need of rental and utility assistance.
ERAP 1 was federally enacted on December 27, 2020 and Pennsylvania Governor Wolf signed it into PA law on February 5, 2021. ERAP 1 covers families that were directly or indirectly affected by COVID. ERAP 2 was federally enacted March 11, 2021. ERAP 2 expands to cover those households that were negatively impacted during the time of COVID (March 13, 2020 to present) but not due to COVID.
Apply here: https://www.sccap.org/relief
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Jenine Weaver is a staff writer for the Connection. She grew up and currently resides in Adams County PA. She is the founder of Weaver Accounting Solutions LLC and a mom of 4 children. She enjoys being involved with the community, the school, town meetings, local fundraisers, and she is an advocate of social justice with Voices Unite in GAC.