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Rep. Cartwright Announces Over $3.8 Million in CARES Act Public Housing Funding Coming to NEPA

Scranton, PA, May 1, 2020

U.S. Representative Matt Cartwright (PA-08) today announced the release of $3,843,478 to housing agencies across northeastern Pennsylvania. Authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, these operating funds provide Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) the resources needed to prevent, prepare and respond to housing needs throughout the region during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this health emergency, public housing is critical for our communities and many people who are vulnerable to COVID-19, including the elderly and those with disabilities,” said Rep. Cartwright, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “These funds will help strengthen our response to the Coronavirus pandemic in our neighborhoods, and support our efforts to keep families safe and healthy.”

The following is a list of recipients in northeastern Pennsylvania, awards and amount provided:

Recipient

Operating Fund – Supplemental Funding for COVID19

CARES Act Admin Fee Regular and Mainstream Voucher Program

Scranton Housing Authority

$1,077,076

$99,836

Lackawanna County Housing Authority

$507,913

$79,174

Housing Authority of the City of Pittston

$170,359

$15,872

Housing Authority of the City of Carbondale

$78,907

$14,956

Housing Authority of the City of Nanticoke

$185,028

$6,002

Housing Authority of the City of Hazleton

$137,678

$31,608

Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority

$327,375

$76,632

Housing Authority of the County of Luzerne

$582,586

$108,118

Housing Authority of Monroe County

$135,040

$77,370

Wayne County Housing Authority

  

$131,948

TOTAL

$3,201,962

$641,516

The CARES Act provides new flexibilities and waiver authority for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help PHAs respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. PHAs will be able to use the supplemental funds for coronavirus-related expenses, including activities to maintain the health and safety of assisted individuals and families, and education, and child care needs for impacted families, as well as costs related to voucher programs, retention and support of participating owners.

The CARES Act also provided an additional $1.25 billion for Tenant-Based Rental Assistance, which funds the Housing Choice Voucher program, including $400 million for increased subsidy costs and $850 million for administrative and other expenses incurred by public housing authorities (PHAs), including activities to support or maintain the health and safety of assisted individuals and families, and costs related to retention and support of participating owners.