Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf called on the state Legislature to protect Pennsylvanians from eviction and foreclosure by temporarily extending the existing moratorium and fixing defects in Act 24 of 2020, which created a program to helps renters and owners.
In July, Gov. Wolf re-issued his executive order providing moratorium on eviction and foreclosure, which is set to expire on September 1. His hands are already tied up to do something on the issue since the Emergency Code prohibits further relief related to temporary housing.
Act 24 provides $150 million for rental assistance and $25 million for mortgage assistance.
The Pennsylvania Housing Finance (PHFA) is administering the program using funds the state received from the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Pennsylvania received $3.9 billion under the federal law to help people who are economically suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Act 24, the CARES Rent Relief Program (RRP) is limited to $750 per month assistance. Thus, it is helping fewer people than intended.
