The Friends Association will be working with the Chester County Department of Community Development to relaunch the Chester County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) with new eligibility guidelines.

The program relaunches Monday, Dec. 12, and includes support for individuals and families facing court-ordered evictions, utility shutoffs or who need security deposits to secure permanent affordable housing.

“Relaunching the Chester County Emergency Rental Assistance Program to support those households with eviction and utility shutoff notices will ensure that the remaining ERAP funds go to the most housing insecure citizens in our community,” said Dolores Colligan, director of the Chester County Department of Community Development.

Chester County has already allocated more than $30.5 million for nearly 3,000 households since the Emergency Rental Assistance Program started in January 2021.

The Friends Association is one of four organizations working with the Department of Community Development to administer and allocate the remaining $13 million in funds to support individuals and families who meet the new guidelines.

Friends Association provides programs and services that prevent homelessness and promote the independence of families with children in Chester County.

The Friends Association is joined by Human Services, Inc., Brandywine Valley Active Aging, and Oxford Area Neighborhood Services in administering the emergency rental assistance program funds.

Chester County’s ERPA program is funded by the U.S. Department of Treasury and PA Department of Human Services to help cover emergency rental and utility bills for those who were severely impacted by the pandemic.

 “Even as the American economy continues recovering from the devastating impact of COVID-19, many Chester County residents are still facing deep rental debt and fear of eviction or loss of utility service, leading to the loss of basic housing security,” Colligan said.

To access Chester County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program:

• Dial 211 or 1-866-964-7922 and follow prompts 2, 2, 2
• Text your zip code to 898-211 · Email info@211sepa.org · Chat with an agent at https://211sepa.org