Local Homeless Assistance Program Has Immediate Openings

There are immediate openings in a program to address homelessness in Potter County with temporary financial assistance for the needy. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) provides direct help for those who are — or could soon become — homeless. HPRP may be of immediate assistance to those who have lost their jobs or fallen behind in their rent through no fault of their own.

Under the Homeless Prevention Program, participants must:

• have income that’s 50 percent or less of the area median (which is $54,100 annually in Potter County)
• lack sufficient resources or support networks needed to obtain or remain in housing

Under the Rapid Re-Housing Program, participants must be homeless and meet one of the following criteria:

• sleeping in an emergency shelter
• sleeping in a place not meant for human habitation
• staying in a hospital or institution for up to 180 days, but literally homeless prior to entry
• timing out of transitional housing
• victim of domestic violence

Financial assistance through HPRP includes rental arrears, utility deposits, rental assistance and security deposits. Applicants must agree to meet regularly with a case manager and continue to show progress toward self-sufficiency.

More information is available Leanne Meyer, 814-486-1161, extension 271.