WEST CHESTER — The next in a series of webinars hosted by the Chester County COVID-19 Business Task Force, focusing on mortgage and rent relief for county residents, is scheduled for Thursday July 9, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.
The webinar covers the CARES Rent Relief program, created for Chester County renters financially impacted by the pandemic to pick up where assistance from the Commonwealth support program ends.
“The State ban on evictions expires on July 10th, so from July 6th, individuals in Chester County who need help with rent or mortgage costs to avoid homelessness can begin applying for the county program,” said Dale Gravett, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of Chester County.
The July 9 Mortgage and Rent Relief Program webinar will feature Patrick Bokovitz, Director of the Chester County Department of Community Development, along with Dale Gravett, and Robin Senss, Director of Supportive Services and Special Programs for the Housing Authority of Chester County. Residents are encouraged to attend and ask questions.
To join the webinar, go to https://bit.ly/31Np4ly.
Financial assistance for renters under the CARES Rent Relief program requires proof of at least a 30% reduction in annual income since March 1. If unemployed, renters must have filed for unemployment compensation. More questions can be directed to the PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) toll-free number at 1-855-U-Are-Home (827-3466).
“We are extremely happy to administer the rent relief program. This initiative complements our other working efforts to help low income families cope with this pandemic,” added Dale Gravett.
Landlords may consider this option to be better than seeking costly and time-consuming evictions. Residents who attend the July 9th webinar – particularly renters, landlords, and homeowners – will be informed more about the program, eligibility, and other specifics. Attendees will have the chance to ask any questions they may have about the program.
The webinar is free and backed by Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline; the County’s nine chambers of commerce; and other economic, education and government leaders—all members of the COVID-19 Business Task Force and its Restore Chester County initiative.
Slides and resources from previous webinars can be found at the recently launched Restore Chester County website. Through the site, businesses, organizations, and residents can confidently navigate through these materials and other reopening guidelines with both overall and industry-specific guidance relating to COVID-19.
