Emergency rental assistance program in Allegheny County ends this weekend

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — An emergency rental assistance program is ending this weekend in Allegheny County.

It’s coming at a time of record inflation and high gas prices, but the money is running out.

“We think we only have enough money to pay them,” George Keenan, an administrator with the Bureau of Homeless Services in Allegheny County, said of existing applicants.

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program, or ERAP, was born out of a federal program to help people hit hard in the early days of the pandemic. It ends July 31.

According to the county, it’s paid nearly $120 million out of the allotted $140 million federally to more than 17,000 households.

The end of the program, coupled with the end of the eviction moratorium nearly a year ago, presents the possibility of more people becoming homeless in Allegheny County.

“I think there’s always a fear that we’ll see an increase in evictions. We know that people are struggling to pay their rent,” Keenan said.

In our previous reporting on the homeless population, (https://www.wpxi.com/news/local/homeless-population-up-by-21-allegheny-county/X3V2SVK6RZHB7IXYX42BHGNV24/) we told you the number of those experiencing homelessness is already up more than 20% in the county this year. Light of Life director Jerrel Gilliam believes there are a couple of reasons behind this.

“I believe inflation is now impacting everyone, so it’s making it more difficult for people to go to work, to find work, to be able to afford gas. So, it’s a ripple effect to this population that is already on the edge,” Gilliam said.

Keenan says there are options for people who still need help.

“The first step for anyone who is in a housing crisis or facing homelessness or experiencing actual homelessness is to call Allegheny Link. That’s the front door through our homeless system,” Keenan said.

To contact Allegheny Link, call 1-866-730-2368.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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