The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted economic and housing security in the past few months, but help is available through the Eviction Prevention Network (EPN). EPN is made up of 13 community benefit organizations throughout Lancaster County and will serve the entirety of Lancaster city and the county. It will aid households that are at risk of losing their homes through eviction due to changes in income due to COVID-19.
Both renters and landlords can participate in the program, with a primary focus on households below 80% of the area median income, which is $63,600 annually. To start the process of getting help, households can call 2-1-1 and be assessed for eligibility. Eligible households can then participate in EPN partner-facilitated tenant/landlord mediation; engage in ongoing case management and/or financial coaching; and possibly receive rental assistance.
The EPN anticipates that there will be waves of need over the next 12 months. Tabor Community Services serves as the lead agency in the EPN's COVID-19 response.
Money for the program is from public and private organizations and funders. The most recent and largest funders are the Lancaster County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the City of Lancaster, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020.
To donate to the program, readers may visit http://www.tabornet.org.
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