CPC grants $1000 to tenants in York
Community Progress Council Inc. (CPC) is a nonprofit organization in York County Pennsylvania that is committed to preventing homelessness. They use a very aggressive approach to assist tenants in need, paying grants of up to $1,000.
CPC reacts quickly because that is sometimes what is required to either prevent an eviction or to get a family off the streets and into their own rental home. Rental assistance is paid quickly and it is a large enough sum to make a difference when clients are in crisis.
Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
The RAP covers three types of emergency needs.
- Tenants facing eviction due to delinquency may get cash needed to catch up on rent.
- Residents without housing could put money towards the security deposit on a new place.
- The first month’s rent could be paid using funding from the RAP.
The $1,000 grant limit per family applies when children are present in the home. Couples or single adults may obtain up to $750. Any approved payment is made directly to the landlord to ensure that the funds are processed quickly. A payment is contingent on the tenant also contributing at least 15% of the amount owed to the landlord.
Applicants who have previously received aid from CPC are not excluded from future assistance. A two year limit on benefits applies, ensuring that no one becomes dependent upon the aid on a perpetual basis.
The catch is that clients must earn less than 150% of the federal poverty level, yet still earn enough to be able to afford both rent and utility payments on the home. It creates a difficult situation sometimes where case managers must help applicants review and modify their budget.
Some applications will receive priority status if certain hardships are present. These can include job loss or situations where the applicants are currently living on the streets, in a car or in a motel.
CPC is funded by the Human Services Development Fund (HSDF) and the Homeless Assistance Program (HAP). Limited funding means that not all applications can be approved.
How to apply
Each applicant will first be prescreened for eligibility. Case managers will confirm that all criteria are likely met before providing clients with an application to complete. A workshop is provided to inform potential applicants on the process as well as to gather the information necessary for potential aid candidates.
Residents of York County may call CPC at 717-845-7176. Office visits are held at the agency’s offices at 160 Roosevelt Avenue in York.