Clarion County still has money available for renters and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Penny Campbell, executive director of the Clarion County Housing Authority, on Tuesday, told the county commissioners during their meeting that only $250,000 out of a $2.5 million grant has been spent.
Campbell said the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is to provide financial assistance for households that are directly or indirectly affected in any way by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There is a deadline for the program.
“It has to be completely expended by Dec. 31,” Campbell said. “By July 31 of 2021, we have to spend at least 65% or they will start to recapture it and give it out to other counties that need it. We have to spend over a million dollars by the end of July.”
Campbell said landlords or tenants could apply for these benefits if back rent is owed.
Eligibility is determined by income, and those who have suffered a loss in income directly related to COVID-19, Campbell said. A second factor is if a person has experienced homelessness or housing instability, which could make an applicant eligible.