State, county leaders seeing uptick in rental assistance applications

PITTSBURGH — County and state leaders told Channel 11 they’re seeing an uptick in applications for rental assistance after a new program was launched last month.

“We received, in less than a month since the applications has been open, close to 5,000 applications and have been able to distribute over $1 million in aid so far,” said Erin Dalton, director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services focused on the Pittsburgh region Tuesday, highlighting that the emergency rental assistance program is available to help families in fear of losing their home.

“The program allows up to 12 months of assistance to cover past due or future rents and utility payments,” state Sen. Jay Costa said.

Costa was one of the advocates for the program. He said it helps both tenants and landlords. A total of $847 million is available for people who need it.

“For too many Pennsylvanians, this crisis has destabilized financial situations and further strained resources for those already at or near the poverty line,” said Teresa Miller, secretary of the Department of Human Services.

In Pittsburgh, the city council approved a ban on evictions to make sure people can stay in their homes during the pandemic.

CLICK HERE for more details and to apply for the rental assistance program

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Cox Media Group