Applications for rent, utility relief in Allegheny County to be accepted starting Monday

PITTSBURGH — Allegheny County residents will soon be able to apply for rent and utility assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.

Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, eligible renters will be able to apply online (CLICK HERE).

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program is being administered by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Nearly $80 million in federal funding awarded to the county, the city of Pittsburgh and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for county residents will be distributed.

To be eligible, applicants have to have been “financially impacted by the pandemic, including provable loss of income or employment, COVID-related increases in expenses such as medical bills or care of a household member, or the inability to get back to work for those laid off prior to March 2020,” a news release said.

In addition to the option to apply online, people can call ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021 to make an appointment to complete an application over the phone with a case manager.

For those without internet access, seven drop-in centers will be available starting Monday with internet access and computers available for use. Centers may also have staff available to answer general questions and help scan in and upload documents. Visitors are asked to follow all COVID-19 protocols and are encouraged to contact the organizations about dates and times that the center is open and available to them.

Here are the drop-in center locations:

• Focus on Renewal: 420 Chartiers Avenue, McKees Rocks 15136
• Gwen’s Girls: 711 West Commons, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh 15212
• Kingsley Association: 6435 Frankstown Avenue, Pittsburgh 15206
• Wilkinsburg Family Support: 807 Wallace Avenue, Pittsburgh 15221
• Greater Valley Community Services: 300 Holland Avenue, Braddock 15104
• South Hills Interfaith Movement – Bethel Park: 5301 Park Avenue, Bethel Park 15102
• The Wander Building: 337 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport 15132

People who applied for CARES rent relief assistance last year are eligible for this round of funding, but they must apply again for this new program.

CLICK HERE for more information on eligibility, required documents and a map of drop-in center locations.

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