CAS Emergency Solutions Grants help with rent costs

Community Action Southwest (CAS) provides supportive services to lower income families in the southwest corner of Pennsylvania. Tenants in Greene and Washington Counties who find themselves in a difficult financial situation may be able to receive rental assistance from CAS in order to remain in their current rental homes.

Emergency Solutions Grants

The Emergency Solutions Grant Program for Greene and Washington Counties is administered by CAS. The organization can provide direct funding for rent and utilities to households who meet certain eligibility requirements. This can be of great help when you start falling behind on your rent.

First of all, you must be able to demonstrate that you can ordinarily afford your current rent. You will need to show evidence that you have maintained a steady employment history. Previous paystubs, W2s or tax returns can help provide this documentation. Your case manager will need to see that you have not been living beyond your means and that you can reasonably afford your current rent absent any extreme hardship.

Secondly, you need to document some bona fide crisis that has negatively contributed to your current financial situation. If  you can prove that it is causing hardship, then you are more likely to receive funding. Individuals can receive help for hardship situations. If small children, elderly adults or disabled individuals are also in the household, it may increase your eligibility.

Finally, your case manager will want to know that you are willing to make the necessary adjustments so that you would be able to remain in your current rental home after receiving a rental assistance grant. A budget should show that you are willing and able to begin saving money for an emergency fund so that you can absorb the extra costs associated with the next financial crisis that you will face.

ROSS Program

Resident Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) is a special program for residents of one of the public housing projects in Washington County. If you live in Jollick Manor, Lincoln Terrace, Maple Terrace or Valley View Terrace, then you may be eligible for additional supportive services that are operated by CAS. The goal is to help you boost your own independence so that you may be able to afford permanent housing on your own.

To participate in these programs, contact Community Action Southwest at 1-877-814-0788.