McKeesport, March 13 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is encouraging Allegheny County residents who are struggling to pay rent and utilities to apply for financial assistance on Monday, March 15.
Eligible county residents will be able to apply for rent and utility assistance from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program online at https://covidrentrelief.alleghenycounty.us. The program, administered by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, will distribute $79.9 million in federal funding to county residents who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. That includes those who:
- have at least one person who qualifies for unemployment, has lost income, or suffered financially due to COVID-19;
- are at risk of experiencing homelessness;
- have a total income below 80% of the Area Median Income for Allegheny County.
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel, especially as more and more people are vaccinated, but so many in our community have taken a financial hit because of the pandemic,” Brewster said. “This program can help people struggling with rent and utility payments to find a little help. I encourage anyone who needs assistance to apply for the program.”
Drop-in centers with internet access and computers will also be available across the county for those who need assistance with the application. Two of those centers will be located in Senator Brewster’s district at The Wander Building, 337 Fifth Avenue, McKeesport, and at Greater Valley Community Services, 300 Holland Avenue, Braddock.
ACTION-Housing can help with applications over the phone at 412-248-0021.