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LOCK HAVEN -- There was some great news for Clinton County renters and landlords -- $2.5 million in great news to be exact -- from Thursday's Clinton County Commissioners meeting.
The commissioners unanimously approved an agreement between the county, the Clinton County Housing Authority and the Clinton County Housing Coalition for administration of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program with grant funding in the amount of $2,540,838 from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
"This is some really exciting news for Clinton County's renters and landlords. At last they will get square on losses from the pandemic. This is a lot of money," said County Planner Katie deSilva, as she explained the Clinton County Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
"They may apply for rental assistance and also utility assistance … water, sewer, electric, hearing … whatever. They can request arrears and request payment going forward," deSilva said.
The Clinton County Housing Coalition will manage the entire process … taking applications and reviewing them for eligibility, deSilva said. They will be making payments to the landlords and utility providers, she said.
Applications for ERAP assistance may be submitted to the Clinton County Housing Coalition by either an eligible household or by a landlord on behalf of that eligible household.
ERAP funds may be used to cover the following expenses:
-- Rental arrears for up to 12 months for past due rent that has been accrued after March 13, 2020.
-- Prospective rent payments up to three months.
-- Utilities and home energy costs are separately stated charges related to the occupancy of the rental property.
-- Other expenses related to housing include but are not limited to relocation expenses, rental fees, reasonable late fees, etc.
ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS
Eligible households may receive up to 12 months assistance plus an addition three months if CCHC determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and funds are available. The payment of existing housing related arrears that could result in eviction of an eligible household is a priority. Households with incomes at or below 50 percent AMI are also a priority. Assistance must be provided to reduce an eligible household's rental arrears before the household may receive assistance for future rent payments. Future assistance may be provided for a maximum of three months at a time. Households may reapply for additional assistance at the end of the three-month period if needed and the overall time limit for assistance is not exceeded.
RENTER ELIGIBILITY
To receive financial assistance under the ERA program, an eligible household is defined as a renter household in which at east one or more individuals meets the following criteria:
-- The tenant is a citizen or qualified non-citizen of the United States.
-- The tenant has a valid lease in their name.
-- The household has experienced a COVID-19 triggering event such as household/tenant qualifies for unemployment or has experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs or experienced a financial hardship due to COVID-19.
-- The household's annual income does not exceed 80 percent of the Area Median Income, as determined by HUD and adjusted for household size. Verified household income is determined suing the 2020 tax filing records or sufficient confirmation of the household's monthly gross income 30 days prior to the date of application.
-- The household has not and will not receive rental assistance from any other source, including but not limited to federal, state and local rental assistance programs, for the same period the ERA is requested.
LANDLORD ELIGIBILITY
To receive financial assistance under the ERA program, owners, landlords and property managers must:
-- Own or manage a rental property within Clinton County.
-- That property must be occupied by the "eligible household" with a valid lease.
-- Provide a signed IRS Form W-9.
-- Provide a detailed description of the charges due.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants are encouraged to apply through the PA Department of Human Services COMPASS website located at www.compass.state.pa.us. Select the get started button under the banner. Be sure to provide a valid email address or telephone number. CCHC will contact you with further information on submitted the required documentation.
Applications and additional program information can be downloaded and printed from the Clinton County Housing Coalition's website at www.cchousingcoalition.org.
If you do not have access to the internet, paper applications may be picked up at the Clinton County Housing Coalition's office, 330 E. Main St. (rear), Lock Haven, PA 17745.
In other business Thursday, the commissioners approved a resolution to apply for a $55,000 grant from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the design of Phase 5 of the Bald Eagle Valley Trail. Gabe Caprio, of the county's planning department said the money would pay for engineering and designing fees for the east ramp in Pine Creek Township.
Under personnel, the board approved the appointment of Gail Nestlerode to the Board of the Clinton County Recreation Authority effective Dec. 31; approved the resignation of Jimmy R. Risley Jr. as part-time 9-1-1 dispatcher effective Feb. 26, and changed the date of the hiring of Dustin Zettle as Resource Conservationist at the Clinton County Conservation District to be effective March 29. Commissioner Snyder voted against the Zettle motion.