Human Services « Lackawanna County

Assistance available for renters and homeowners affected by COVID-19 economic slowdown

Assistance available for Renters and Homeowners affected by COVID-19 Economic Slowdown

Scranton, July 2, 2020: Lackawanna County has been approved to distribute $2.9 million for rent and mortgage relief to renters and homeowners who were affected by the economic slowdown due to COVID-19. With the moratorium on evictions set to expire on July
10, it is strongly recommended that those affected take advantage of this funding opportunity.

This allocation is part of $175 million in the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding Pennsylvania received to assist those who are struggling to pay rent or make mortgage payments because of the COVID-19.

Renters who qualify for the Rent Relief Program can receive assistance up to $750 in monthly rent payments for a maximum of six months between March 1 and November 30, 2020.

Homeowners who qualify for the Pandemic Mortgage Assistance Program can receive up to $1,000 a month for a maximum period of six months.

In order to qualify for the assistance, renters and homeowners must be able to show that they experienced at least a 30% reduction in annual income or unemployed since March 1 due to COVID-19. In addition, household income cannot exceed 100% of the Area Median Income in
Lackawanna County, adjusted for household size.

Median Income information, instructions, and applications and other information for CARES financial assistance for renters and homeowners are available now through a link on the Lackawanna County Website and on the red CARES banner on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s website. Application submissions can begin July 6. A dedicated email, [email protected] has been established to accept completed application packets.

NeighborWorks NEPA Challenges Kindness for Isolated Seniors Amidst Social Distancing

Scranton, PA - April 22, 2020

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is launching the KindnessWorks Challenge, a social media initiative addressing senior isolation while following social distancing guidelines.

Senior isolation is a struggle we face as a community in northeastern Pennsylvania. The challenge asks participants to be creative in spreading smiles and showing kindness while practicing safe social distancing. Entering the contest is easy – just document your acts of kindness through photos or videos and post on Facebook using #KindnessWorks for a chance to win fun prizes from NeighborWorks NEPA! Each week will offer first place prizes, such as a Weber two-burner propane grill, a Yeti cooler, and a Bose Outdoor Sound System. First place winners will be eligible to qualify to receive a Neighborhood Block Party.

Combatting senior isolation and feelings of loneliness in elderly residents has always been a goal for NeighborWorks NEPA. “Older adults in our community are a gift, full of wisdom and experience. Let’s work together as a community to ensure they feel connected to their neighborhoods during this trying time when staying isolated also keeps them healthy and safe,” says Mary Endrusick, Aging in Place Coordinator.

About Neighborworks Northeastern Pennsylvania NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization that has for more than 35 years helped to revitalize neighborhoods and improve lives throughout the region by addressing the housing needs in our community. Their vision for strong, healthy neighborhoods is built on resident empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, sustainable homeownership, and public-private partnerships.

NWNEPA KindnessWorks Challenge PSA

LACKAWANNA COUNTY AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD, SHELTER AND UTILITY PROGRAMS

Lackawanna County has been awarded Federal funds under the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program (EFSP) and State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) funds under the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The County has been chosen to receive:

$106,932 to supplement emergency shelter and utility programs from the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program, Phase 34.
$343,581 to supplement emergency food programs from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 2017/18.

Under the terms of the grant from the EFS, National Board and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, local agencies chosen to receive funds must: 1) be private voluntary non-profit or units of government; 2) have an accounting system; 3) practice nondiscrimination; 4) have demonstrated the capability to deliver emergency food and/or shelter programs; and 5) if they are a private voluntary organization, they must have a voluntary board.

Qualifying organizations are urged to apply. Applications may be picked up starting Monday August 28, 2017 at the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties (615 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA Tel: 570-343-1267). Completed application must be submitted via email by 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 20, 2017.

A Provider meeting has been scheduled for 1:00 pm Thursday August 31, 2017 at the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, 615 Jefferson Ave, Scranton PA. Qualifying organizations are encouraged to attend. Further information on the program or to secure a RFP application may be obtained by contacting:

Stig Fromm Chairman, EFSP Local Board

c/o United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties

615 Jefferson Avenue PO Box 526

Scranton, PA 18501-0526

Phone: (570) 343-1267 ext. 226

Email: [email protected]

The Lackawanna County Independent Living Collaborative is hosting its third annual networking event for direct service professionals

The Lackawanna County Independent Living Collaborative is hosting its third annual networking event for direct service professionals working with youth in transition. Speed Networking 2.0 will be held on April 25, 2017 from 1-3 p.m. at the Allied Services – Stauffer Industrial Park. The event is being sponsored by Al lied Services. The goal of this event is to increase inter-disciplinary communication and knowledge in order to provide stronger, more comprehensive services for youth transitioning into adulthood. This is the third event of its kind since the IL Collaborative began in 2013. Representatives from multiple systems including education , substance abuse, mental health, juvenile probation , intellectual disabilities, and child welfare, along with community based agencies will come together to hear from a youth currently in the transition process and then to share information with one another.

The Lackawanna County Independent Living Collaborative is a group of approximately 30 plus agencies, schools , community agencies, mental health, substance abuse providers and the like who are serving youth ranging in age from 16-21 years-old and assisting them along the journey to adulthood. Increasing communication among providers is one of the primary goals of the IL Collaborative. This is achieved through networking opportunities and semi-annual trainings focused on topics related to transition age youth . Additional efforts center on access to transportation, affordable housing, and teen parenting. Since its inception in 2013, the Lackawanna County IL Collaborative has touched over 400 direct service professionals.

For more information about the Speed Networking 2.0 event or about the Independent Living Collaborative, please contact Lori Chaffers , MSW , Supervisor – Independent Living Unit
at 570-963-6781 or via email at [email protected].

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Assistance available for renters and homeowners affected by COVID-19 economic slowdown

NeighborWorks NEPA Challenges Kindness for Isolated Seniors Amidst Social Distancing

LACKAWANNA COUNTY AWARDED FEDERAL FUNDS FOR EMERGENCY FOOD, SHELTER AND UTILITY PROGRAMS

The Lackawanna County Independent Living Collaborative is hosting its third annual networking event for direct service professionals

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