COVID-19 – Information from federal and state agencies

Information from federal agencies

Guides from National Groups on how to advocate for your community:

• National Alliance to End Homelessness: A Framework for COVID-19 Homelessness Response: Responding to the Intersecting Crises of Homelessness and COVID-19
• National Low Income Housing Coalition – GETTING TO YES: WORKING WITH FEMA TO FUND NONCONGREGATE SHELTER DURING COVID-19

CDC:

• CDC: Checklist for Homeless Service Providers During Community Re-opening

HUD:

• HUD: COVID-19 (“CORONAVIRUS”) INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
• Questions and Answers for Office of Multifamily Housing Stakeholders – May 22, 2020
• CPD Program Formula Allocations and CARES Act Supplemental Funding For FY 2020
• Memo from HUD on Availability of COVID Waivers – 3/31/20
• HUD: CDBG COVID-19 Q&A: Using CDBG Funds for Staff Costs and Unused and Partially Utilized Space
• Multifamily Housing COVID-19 Guidance from HUD – April 16
• HUD COVID-19 Guidance Providing HOME Program TBRA Waivers

Treasury Department:

• Coronavirus Relief Fund- Guidance for State, Territorial, Local, and Tribal Governments – April 22, 2020

USDA :

• USDA COVID-19 resources
• USDA COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide

Information from state agencies

PA State Resource Page:

• PA.gov COVID Resources

PHFA Guidance:

• PHFA COVID-19 Resource Page

PA DCED:

• PA Statewide Small Business Assistance
  • DCED is offering grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses in Pennsylvania. The first round of applications begins on June 30, 2020. Click the link above to learn more.

PA DHS Guidance:

• DHS COVID-19 Resource Page
  • Child Abuse Prevention Media Kit – DHS
  • DHS COVID-19 Response—updated July 8, 2020
• Benefits available through DHS:
  • (Via DHS): The Emergency Assistance Program (EAP) helps low-income families experiencing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Families who qualify will be eligible for a one-time payment to assist them in meeting basic needs. The program is open to families with:
    • A child under the age of 18 or a woman who is currently pregnant
    • One person in the household who was employed as of March 11, 2020 and experienced hour/wage reduction of at least 50% for two weeks or more OR lost employment entirely due to the public health crisis.
  • (Via DHS): The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis Program helps Pennsylvanians during the COVID-19 public health crisis. DHS is working with utility companies and deliverable fuel vendors to help Pennsylvanians at risk of losing access to electric, natural gas, or deliverable fuels such as oil, pay utility bills, and maintain access to home energy services. LIHEAP Recovery Crisis benefits may be available if a household:
    • • • Has their main or secondary energy source completely shut-off
        • Is notified that their utility service will be shut off in the next 60 days
        • Has broken energy equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
        • Is in danger of being without fuel in 15 days or less.
        • Owes funds to a utility provider that would constitute a service termination if not for the Public Utility Commission’s moratorium on terminations.
        • Eligibility guidelines are the same as those used during the 2019-20 LIHEAP season: bit.ly/LIHEAPPA
• Information on how to apply for the above state benefits and other benefits:
  • In English
  • En Español