In 2020, Bucks County government’s housing services agency was able to help 500 to 600 families avoid losing their housing.
The county used multiple funding streams, including money from the state and federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, to help the families, said Bucks County Housing Services Department Director Jeffrey Fields.
Advertisements
Many Bucks Countians experiencing financial trouble – a chronic issue made worse by the pandemic – have been aided by eviction moratoriums. The latest, a federal eviction moratorium, expires at the end of January.
The recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) moratorium only protects renters that aren’t able to pay rent, but it does not prevent evictions for other contract violations, like safety problems and noise.
Fields said the pandemic has led to some restrictions being eased on some grants, which will allow more funds to be used for housing.
Advertisements
The county plans to use federal community block grants and expected funds from the latest federal stimulus package to aid with helping families avoid eviction.
“We’re trying to prioritize who needs the help the most,” he said.
At the Bucks County Commissioners meeting Monday, the three officials voted to spend $1.9 million in mostly grant funding to programs to help those who are homeless, those close to losing their housing, and supporting organizations that help those populations.
Advertisements
Bucks County Commissioners Chairperson Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo both noted housing insecurity is a problem that many people don’t realize.
“Not everyone in Bucks County lives in a $500,000 house. There is a lot of need in Bucks County for housing, for homelessness, and for people that are hungry,” DiGirolamo said.
A state program to help renters and landlords largely failed and much of the money went unspent on its intended purpose.
Advertisements
Bucks County Housing Link, which can connect residents with resources, can be reached toll free at 1-800-810-4434. Legal Aid of Southeastern Pennsylvania, which can represent tenants who are going through the courts, can be reached at 215-781-1111 ext. 210.
Report a correction via email | Editorial standards and policies
