Penn Hills launches mortgage, rental assistance program for those in need

Penn Hills has launched its own mortgage and rental assistance program for people struggling to make payments because of the covid-19 pandemic.

Chris Blackwell, the municipality’s planning director, said Penn Hills received $500,000 for the program, dubbed the Penn Hills Covid-19 Housing Stabilization Program.

The funds, he said, are available through the federal Housing and Urban Development agency’s allocation of the CARES Act, which passed in March 2020.

Penn Hills partnered with Action Housing, the Urban League and NeighborWorks for mortgage, rental and foreclosure counseling. To be eligible, families must make 80% or less of the annual median income. In Penn Hills, a family of four can be eligible if their income is less than $64,400.

Other eligibility requirements include being a Penn Hills resident, being employed or recently employed and experiencing a reduction in hours or layoff due to the employer reducing or cutting work hours, and experiencing financial hardship.

Blackwell said the municipality has enough funds to offer six months, or $6,000, in mortgage assistance. For renters, the municipality can help with three months of payments, or $3,000. He said the program will last through 2025 or until funds are spent.

“We haven’t had a lot of takers yet,” Blackwell said, adding the program launched officially March 15. “We just want to make sure we spend the money and also help people out.”

Blackwell could not comment on how many people in Penn Hills have benefitted from the program because the municipality is not in charge of intake. That responsibility lies with Allegheny Link, who was not available to comment.

To apply, call 1-866-730-2368 or email AlleghenyLink@AlleghenyCounty.US.