There's no doubt the past few years have been hard for many people. To provide some relief, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) was created in 2021. Pennsylvania received approximately $569 million to administer assistance to renters, landlords and utility providers who have been affected by the pandemic and economic insecurity.
While access to the application is available at Tenfold in Lancaster, there can be barriers for many people in the county, from lack of transportation to the site to confusion over the application process. To help, Friends of Donegal recently partnered with Donegal Substance Abuse Alliance (DSAA) and Tenfold to open an emergency rental assistance application site at DSAA, 78 E. Main St., Mount Joy.
"It can be an overwhelming process for somebody who wants to apply for assistance," explained Deb Schleh, the program coordinator for ERAP at the Mount Joy site. "The wording on the application can be confusing, and people have questions and want to be sure they are doing everything correctly."
The funds can provide relief for people who need help covering rent, utilities or both, Schleh said. "Every story is individualized, and everyone is unique," she noted. "Each application is evaluated individually."
Stacy Emminger, executive director of DSAA, said the idea for opening a site in Mount Joy came about after hearing about what was happening at ECHOS, an Elizabethtown-based application site. "They were getting a lot of people from Mount Joy coming in, so we realized there was a need for this in Mount Joy," she explained, noting that DSAA became an application site in January.
Schleh said she sees her role as part administrator and part counselor. She'll help applicants with everything, whether she is assisting with paperwork or lending a sympathetic ear. "A lot of these people are living in what we call 'the tyranny of the moment.' They are just trying to survive on a day-to-day basis," she stated. "They just need somebody to listen."
To begin the process, applicants must contact DSAA to set up an appointment. From there, Schleh will meet with people twice - once to activate their account and then another time to complete the application. "I work one-on-one with them through the process," she remarked.
Additionally, she'll research other resources to help clients and direct them to other programs where they may find support. Applicants do not need to be a client of DSAA or live in Mount Joy to apply.
The federal program is expected to continue until September or until funds run out, whichever comes first, so Schleh encourages people to consider applying soon.
"If they are behind on their rent, utilities or both, or even if they anticipate being behind and they aren't sure they qualify, they should contact me, and I'll see how I can help," she stated. "A lot of the people I've met have never found themselves in this situation before. Because of COVID, job loss, illness or other circumstances, they are here now, and they need help."
For more information about ERAP, contact deb.dsaa@gmail.com or call 717-492-6624.
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