PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Time has run out for Philadelphia’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program.
The city helped more than 38,000 households affected by COVID-19 to the tune of $248 million since May 2020. Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation President David Thomas said no new applications will be accepted.
“We have quite a few applications that are still being reviewed and we’re expecting to make payments until our funds are truly exhausted,” he said.
Starting Monday, the city’s eviction diversion program will continue, but under a new process. Spokesperson Jamila Davis said landlords will still have to apply for eviction diversion before they file for eviction.
“Previously, landlords would apply for funding, but since it’s no longer available, they have to apply for some type of mediation, so that’s what the eviction diversion is,” she explained.
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This was the fourth phase of the program. Should the city obtain more resources, Thomas said they’re ready to start the program again.
“Hopefully we’ll get some additional resources, but even if we do, we have quite a few people in the pipeline right now and our fear is that we won’t have enough to support those folks,” he noted.
People with questions about their rights should contact phillytenant.org.