Reading aid programs provide rent assistance

Reading tenants who cannot pay the rent are subject to eviction unless they are able to restore their account to the satisfaction of their landlords. This could involve a workaround agreement, or it could take repaying all arrears at once using a grant or loan. These programs can help.

The agencies entrusted with preventing homelessness in Berks County provide counseling and aid where appropriate to curb homelessness. Here are the programs that can halt an eviction or assist with deposits.

BCAP

The Berks Community Action Program provides cash aid that is payable directly to the landlord. This grant to individuals is approved in situations in which the family lives in Berks County and needs immediate assistance to avoid homelessness. The aid comes in two forms.

Some tenants who are in arrears may be approved for a payment to catch up their late rent. Those who have received an eviction notice and are in immediate danger of homelessness are the first priority. A case manager will only release the funding request once they are satisfied that the tenant will be able to maintain the normal payments on a permanent basis.

Tenants who have already been evicted and have no other place to stay other than transitional housing or homeless shelters could be approved for payments to a new landlord. Funding towards a security deposit and/or first month’s rent could be approved if it allowed the family to gain access to permanent and safe housing. This funding also will only be authorized if their is evidence that the new lease will be affordable. Applicants may inquire directly with BCAP by calling 610-376-6571 or by visiting their Washington Street office in Reading.

Berks County Housing Authority

Subsidized rent is available through the Berks County Housing Authority, which administers funding through the federal Section 8 program. Applicants for public housing projects are normally approved for occupancy within a reasonable period of time. Those that hold out for a Housing Choice Voucher could wait for years. Information on the waiting list is available by calling 610-370-0822.

Catholic Charities

The Diocese of Allentown can help those facing eviction receive federal funding. Clients are encouraged to contact them online rather than calling.

Loan Options

When household income exceeds the cap of these grant-based organizations, a low interest loan might be an option. Reading credit union can provide unsecured loans to cover temporary rent emergencies.

  • Riverfront Federal Credit Union allows membership to Berk County residents. Rates are very low for well-qualified applicants. Call 610-374-8351 to inquire about joining with a $5 savings account deposit.
  • Pagoda Federal Credit Union also has an open membership policy for Berk County residents. Call 610-373-3840 for information about unsecured loan rates.
  • ClearChoice Federal Credit Union allows membership to Greater Reading residents. Call 610-376-0605 to speak with a banking representative at the Wyomissing branch.