Need Help Applying for Dauphin County Rental & Utility Assistance Program? Visit Any County Library

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Anyone needing help applying for funding from the Dauphin County Rental & Utility Assistance Program should consider their local library.

Every Dauphin County library offers access to a computer or laptop – with assistance from staff – to complete and file an application and/or upload all required documents.

That help is available during normal library hours.

Also, anyone can call 2-1-1 for general support in completing an application, or with questions about eligibility.

You can call 2-1-1 to make an appointment with a provider (Christian Churches United, Salvation Army, TriCounty Community Action, Justice Works Youthcare, and the Fair Housing Council).

Eligible persons are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

MORE ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

Financial assistance is now available for renters and landlords who experienced hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starting March 1, applications are available online HERE, and can be submitted online or in person.

“It is imperative that we work to alleviate the barriers for Dauphin County residents who are facing eviction as a result of the economic hardship created during this pandemic,” Dauphin County Commissioner George P. Hartwick III said.

A total of $569 million in funding is available to Pennsylvania counties through the state CARES Rent Relief Program, or CARES RRP, that was established by Act 24 of 2020.

There are eligibility requirements and income parameters. See if you are eligible HERE.

(For example, a family of four may make up to $68,000 and remain eligible.)

“The ongoing pandemic continues to squeeze the budgets of so many residents and families in Dauphin County,” County Commissioner Chair Jeff Haste said. “This funding is a lifeline for rent dues and associated utility costs.”

Dauphin County is expected to receive $10 million from the state, in addition to $8 million in federal allocation.

The assistance can be used for rent, rental arrears, utilities, and home energy costs.

“It is a matter of keeping roofs over the heads of residents – it does not get any more serious than that,” County Commissioner Mike Pries said. “Check your eligibility and apply for assistance as soon as you possibly can.”

To be eligible for this grant, you must:

- Qualify for unemployment benefits OR experienced a reduction in income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19 that threaten the household’s ability to pay the costs of the rental property when due;

- Demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability, which may include past due rent and utility notices and eviction notices;

- Must be at 80% Area Median Income or below.

All applicants must include the following documents in their application:

2020 Tax return (form 1040) OR 2 months of most recent paystubs OR unemployment compensation statement

Signed lease or rental agreement

Documentation from landlord and/or utility provider demonstrating arrears owed for each month requesting assistance

Copy of identification (government issued photo ID or driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, etc.)

Proof of residence, if not included in other required documents

Commissioner Hartwick encourages eligible applicants to act fast and apply.

“We have worked to design and implement an innovative “no wrong door” approach that will allow greater and more direct access to these critical resources,” Commissioner Hartwick said.

If you have any questions, please call 2-1-1 or email rentutilityassist@dauphinc.org.

Please complete the online application or reach out to a provider for assistance. Applications can be picked up at The Northern Dauphin Human Services Center (295 State Drive, Elizabethville, PA 17023), at Christian Churches United's Outdoor Box (413 S 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA  17104), or downloaded HERE.

MEDIA CONTACT: Brett Hambright, Press Secretary, 717-780-6311; bhambright@dauphinc.org.