CARES Act Eviction Relief Funds Allocated To Chester County

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — Nearly $2 million in CARES Act funds for eviction relief is coming to Pennsylvanians, and Chester County will receive some of it.

Pennsylvania will receive $1.988 billion in new funding from Community Development Block Grants as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for eviction relief.

Chester County has been allocated $285,451 to help residents here at risk of eviction from their homes.

The allocation focuses funds towards places with households facing higher risk of eviction. The funds can be used to provide temporary financial assistance to meet rental obligations for up to 6 months and are focused toward places with households facing higher risk of eviction. Specifically:

• Communities with high rates of individuals in industries with high job loss in states with high unemployment;
• Communities with high rates of businesses in industries with high job loss in states with high unemployment; and
• Concentrations of those most at risk for transmission and risk of eviction, with higher amounts for states with high rates of coronavirus.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) advocated for Pennsylvania receiving the funds. He said today, "Many Americans have lost their jobs during this pandemic and are facing the possibility of being evicted, through no fault of their own. This funding is essential to providing support for Pennsylvanians who need temporary financial assistance to pay rent and weather the eviction crisis that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. I will continue to fight for additional assistance to prevent evictions."

Gov. Tom Wolf placed a hold on evictions in the state, but that expired on Aug. 31. The governor said last week he would call on the General Assembly to protect renters and homeowners from eviction and foreclosure.

"No Pennsylvanian should be forced out of their home due to the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the CDC's announcement of a nationwide eviction ban for many renters, additional action is needed at the state level to ensure all Pennsylvanians are protected. Protecting Pennsylvanians from eviction and foreclosure will ensure that families can remain in their homes and help us preserve the public health," Wolf's office said.

The Associated Press projects that 28 million renters are at risk of eviction because of the financial impact of COVID-19. Tenant advocates expect numbers to increase significantly unless protections are put in place. Thousands in Chester County could face eviction in the months ahead.

Read about who is helping in Chester County: County, Non-profits Join Forces To Stem Wave Of Evictions