Housing and Rental Assistance

The Issue

Lack of affordable housing is a primary cause of homelessness in families; often one or both parents are working, but not making a livable wage. Additionally, events such as illness, accidents, and violence limit the ability to secure stable housing and affordable housing.

Our Impact

Each year, through GECAC's Housing and Rental Assistance program, 1,000 families that are homeless or near homeless avoid eviction or obtain housing.

Overview

Income Loss Due to COVID-19

Rent Assistance

Congress's latest coronavirus relief package, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, is the largest economic relief bill in U.S. history.  GECAC is providing financial assistance to renters and homeowners who have suffered financial hardship and now lack sufficient income or resources to pay their housing costs because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Erie City:

  • Renter Being Evicted
  • Mortgage Past Due
    • Up to 6 Months of Assistance
    • Call GECAC Housing at (814) 459-4581

General Income Loss (not COVID-19 related)

GECAC offers emergency relief for rent payments for households experiencing a financial crisis impacting their housing, health, and safety. Financial assistance is available to help with rent to provide stability and prevent homelessness during a financial crisis.  These services are offered to Erie City and County residents. Other eligibility conditions and restrictions apply. 

 Erie City and Erie County:

  • Homeless
    • Assistance with the security deposit and the first month's rent.
    • Call Erie County Care Management at (814) 743-5837. Ask to be referred to GECAC's Housing Assistance program.
  • Renter Being Evicted or Couchsurfing (moving from location to location with no fixed address, i.e. sleeping on friends' couches) 
    • Up to $750 Assistance per year for families/ $500 for individuals
    • The financial assistance amount depends on circumstances. Not all renters will receive a maximum of $750/$500.
    • Call Erie County Care Management at (814) 743-5837. Ask to be referred to GECAC's Housing Assistance program.

GECAC's Housing Assistance Flyer


3 Types of Assistance

Emergency Rental Assistance Rental Payments

GECAC will make payments to legitimate landlords on your behalf for rent costs.

First Month's Rent

GECAC will make payments to legitimate landlords on your behalf for the first month's rent.

Security Deposits

GECAC will make payments to legitimate landlords on your behalf when security payment is required.

Are You Homeless?

Someone who is homeless or near homeless must meet one of the following criteria:

  • Residing in a group shelter, domestic violence shelter, hotel or motel paid for by public funds, mental health, drug or alcohol facility, prison, or hospital, with no place to reside.
  • Someone who is living at home but is unable to stay due to domestic violence.
  • Verification that their children are being placed in foster care because of lack of adequate housing, or need for the reunification of a family if children are placed in foster care.
  • Living in a condemned building.
  • Has a court-ordered eviction notice due to loss of income
  • The inspector from the Bureau of Housing, City of Erie must certify substandard conditions of the building
  • Referral from outside agencies where temporary housing is established due to domestic abuse
  • Red Cross referral due to fire or flood
  • Living in the streets, cars, or doorways (verified by Homeless Case Management)

Participant Requirements

  1. A Referral Form from:
    Erie County Care Management
    1601 Sassafras Street
    Erie, PA 16502
    (814) 743-5837
  2. An eviction notice or complete a Homeless Certification form
  3. Photo ID
  4. Social Security Card for all members of a household
  5. Letter from Social Security office
  6. Verification of income for the last 30 days
  7. A copy of the current signed lease agreement (if facing eviction)

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Request More Info

Hilda Torres
Director
814.459.4581 ext. 410
htorres@gecac.org