Cambria County Announces Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Cambria County in coordination with the state of Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the ERAP program. The ERAP provides assistance with Rent payments including arrearages as well as utility assistance.
The current income guidelines are as follows:
-$36,350 (single person)
-$41,550 (two persons)
-$46,750 (three persons)
-$51,900 (four persons)
Interested applicants can apply online at https://www. compass. state. pa. us or by contacting Cambria County at (814)535-8531, Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Please pass this on to neighbors and Cambria County friends that may be having a difficult time payment utilities.
Overview of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Cambria County, in partnership with the State of Pennsylvania, has launched the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). This county-directed initiative aims to provide rental assistance and housing stability services to individuals and families at risk of homelessness due to the financial impact of COVID-19.
The program offers assistance with:
- Rent payments, including any arrearages (past-due amounts).
- Utility assistance, including any arrearages.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the program, a household must meet specific criteria regarding their rental obligations and financial hardship.
Household Definition:
- A household of one or more individuals obligated to pay rent on a residential dwelling.
Financial Hardship Criteria: At least one individual within the household must meet one of the following conditions:
- Unemployment: Qualified for unemployment benefits.
- Income Reduction: Experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or faced other financial hardship directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 (applicant must attest to this in writing).
Risk of Homelessness: At least one individual within the household must demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Evidence may include:
- A past-due utility or rent notice, or an eviction notice.
- Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.
- Any other evidence of such risk.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply through the following methods:
- Online: Via the Pennsylvania DHS COMPASS System at https://www. compass. state. pa. us.
- In Person: By contacting the Cambria County Behavioral Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention Program at 110 Franklin Street, Suite 300, Johnstown, PA 15901.
- Phone: By dialing (814) 535-8531.
Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Program Details and Contact Information
- Duration: Rent can be paid to landlords through the program for up to 12 months.
- Key Officials: The program is coordinated by BH/ID/EI Administrator Tracy Selak and supported by Cambria County Commissioners Tom Chernisky, B. J. Smith, and Scott Hunt.
- Inquiries: Questions regarding the press release or program can be directed to Tracy Selak at (814) 535-8531.