Allegheny County's emergency rental assistance program ending this month

Allegheny County’s emergency rental assistance program is coming to an end at the end of the month, officials said.

The program aimed to prevent evictions during the covid-19 pandemic by helping people who were economically affected by it.

As of July 18, the program had provided $117.9 million in rent and utilities assistance to 17,534 households throughout the county. Money for the program came from federal emergency relief funding and local foundations.

The program stopped taking new applications in March, but continued providing assistance as previously submitted applications were processed.

Notifications will be sent to people in active mediation or eviction proceedings, officials said. They will need to provide any outstanding documents for consideration by the end of the month.

People who need to submit documents to complete the process on a pending application can do so through the rental assistance website, by calling ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021 or by making an appointment with Allegheny LINK at 1-866-730-2368.

All outstanding applications for those not in active mediation or eviction proceedings will be considered ineligible and denied, officials said.

The ACTION Housing Stabilization Center on Seventh Avenue will be closed through Aug. 5 as staff members work to process remaining eligible applications for the program.

Officials encouraged those who need help with rent or housing after the program ends July 31 to contact Allegheny Link.