Submitted Press Release
The US Department of Treasury has established a rent and utility assistance program to aid households experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding in the amount of $1,762,249 has been received by the County to help local households. These funds will be used to assist households with rental and utility costs incurred between March 13, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Landlords are permitted to apply on behalf of a tenant, but tenants will be required to provide eligibility documentation. The Commission on Economic Opportunity will operate this program on behalf of Wyoming County Office of Human Services, but initial applications will be accepted online through Pennsylvania COMPASS.
“This funding is an invaluable resource to our residents,” said Commissioner Rick Wilbur “This will help many families who are struggling financially because of COVID.”
Michael Donahue, Director of Human Services reports, “We are looking forward to helping families who are behind on rent and utilities, easing the stress families are facing due to lost income and increased expenses brought on by COVID.”
This program was established by federal legislation. “I was proud to support Senate Bill 109 which ultimately will render $1.7 million to Wyoming County for use in rental and utility assistance for those residents who are in desperate need,” said Representative Karen Boback, of the 117th district. “I applaud CEO for stepping up to the plate in offering their valuable assistance in the disbursement of this program.”
The first step to determine if a rental household is eligible for the program is if they qualify for unemployment or if they have experienced financial hardship as a direct or indirect result of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Examples of hardship may include, but are not limited to a period of unemployment, a decrease in income, or an increase in household expenses.
The second step to determine eligibility is related to the housing situation of the applicant. The rental household must be able to demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. One or more of the following must be true:
- Overdue or delinquent rent or utilities,
- Notice of eviction or utility shut-off due late or non-payment, or
- At-risk of being homeless or at-risk of housing instability.
In addition, the renter must meet income guidelines. Applicant households must have income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income. The income guidelines are as follows:
Household Size Maximum Gross Yearly Income
1 $40,150
2 $45,900
3 $51,650
4 $57,350
5 $61,950
6 $66,550
7 $71,150
8 $75,750
Renters and their landlord must provide all required documentation or the application will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant. The renter must complete and provide the following (1) Renter application form, (2) a written lease or document a verbal lease (3) documentation of all gross income – either their 2020 Tax Return (form 1040 or the past 30 days of income, (4) copies of utility bills, if assistance is being requested, and (5) Applicant Certification. The landlord must provide (1) Proof of ownership for the rental property, and (2) W-9 form. A list of all required documentation, application link, and more information on the program are available on CEO’s website at https://www.ceopeoplehelpingpeople.org/wyoming.
Application should be completed by the Pennsylvania COMPASS website: www.compass.state.pa.gov. Paper applications are available upon request.
Please contact CEO via telephone Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm at 1-800-822-0359 with questions about application process and receive assistance in completing the required forms. Walk-ins are not being accepted at this time due to COVID-19.
Required documentation and paper applications can be returned by mail to Commission on Economic Opportunity, via email at ceorentrelief@gmail.com or via mail at P.O. Box 1126, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703-1126.
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