Rental assistance in Clarion County provided by Community Action

Financially distressed tenants who are at risk of eviction may have the opportunity to gain rental assistance in Clarion County, Pennsylvania. Community Action provides local residents with supplemental funding to help offset rental deficiencies so that landlords may be willing to drop eviction proceedings.

Community Action serves lower income households of Clarion County and Jefferson County. A grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) allows for funding to be extended to Clarion County tenants only. There are two primary activities that are conducted by Community Action to help individuals and families avoid the perils of homelessness.

Emergency Shelter

Households who have been evicted may first arrange for immediate short-term housing, thanks to emergency shelter programs administered by Community Action. The program keeps vulnerable households off the streets so that they can mend their personal situation in the comfort, privacy and safety of a community shelter. In extreme emergencies, motel vouchers may be a possibility (depending on funding).

While far from ideal, emergency shelter provides you with the opportunity to regroup from a recent eviction. You can work to increase your savings and plan for a new lease. You can even work on finding a new job that may pay better, allowing you a better chance to afford your next home.

Rental Assistance

Community Action may be able to assist with back rents owed to a private landlord. This is sometimes an option if you are falling behind and are now in imminent danger of becoming evicted from your home.

Tenants who need a fresh start could get help with security deposits on the rent for a new apartment, or even help with utility deposits. Such assistance is grant-based, meaning there is no requirement to repay the funds received.

It is up to the sole discretion of your case manager on what types of outcomes the agency will support. You obviously must meet certain eligibility requirements to ensure that you are a proper recipient of grant funding. Your case manager will also evaluate your needs based on your likelihood for success, potential for needing additional assistance and your commitment to improving your situation. You will need to keep all follow-up appointments to show that you are committed to making a change for the better.

For more information about the Emergency Shelter and Rental Assistance (ESRA) program through Community Action, call the Punxsutawney office at 814-938-3302 or visit in person at 105 Grace Way. Funding is reserved for rental assistance to Clarion County residents, but the organization also provides case management services to Jefferson County tenants that need help.