Housing and Rental Assistance

The Issue

Lack of affordable housing is a primary cause of homelessness in families; often one or both parents are working, but not making a livable wage. Additionally, events such as illness, accidents, and violence limit the ability to secure stable housing and affordable housing.

Overview

GECAC offers emergency relief for rent payments for households experiencing a financial crisis impacting their housing, health, and safety. Financial assistance is available to help with rent to provide stability and prevent homelessness during a financial crisis.  These services are offered to Erie City and County residents. Other eligibility conditions and restrictions apply. 

Note: All residents in Erie County and the city of Erie experiencing a housing crisis must first call Erie County Care Management (ECCM) to be assessed and referred to a housing organization. Please do not contact GECAC directly. You must call ECCM first. GECAC is unable to provide housing assistance until you call ECCM at:

(814) 743-5837

 Erie City and Erie County:

• Homeless
  • Assistance with the security deposit and the first month's rent.
  • Call Erie County Care Management at (814) 743-5837. Ask to be referred to GECAC's Housing Assistance program.
• Renter Being Evicted or Couchsurfing (moving from location to location with no fixed address, i.e. sleeping on friends' couches) 
  • Up to $750 Assistance per year for families/ $500 for individuals
  • The financial assistance amount depends on the circumstances. Not all renters will receive a maximum of $750/$500.
  • Call Erie County Care Management at (814) 743-5837. Ask to be referred to GECAC's Housing Assistance program.

GECAC's Housing Assistance Flyer

3 Types of Assistance

Are You Homeless?

Someone homeless or near homeless must meet one of the following criteria:

• Residing in a group shelter, domestic violence shelter, hotel or motel paid for by public funds, mental health, drug or alcohol facility, prison, or hospital, with no place to reside.
• Someone who is living at home but is unable to stay due to domestic violence.
• Verification that their children are being placed in foster care because of lack of adequate housing, or need for the reunification of a family if children are placed in foster care.
• Living in a condemned building.
• Has a court-ordered eviction notice due to loss of income.
• The inspector from the Bureau of Housing, City of Erie must certify substandard conditions of the building.
• Referral from outside agencies where temporary housing is established due to domestic abuse.
• Red Cross referral due to fire or flood.
• Living in the streets, cars, or doorways (verified by Homeless Case Management).

Participant Requirements

1. A Referral Form from:
   Erie County Care Management
   1601 Sassafras Street
   Erie, PA 16502
   (814) 743-5837
2. An eviction notice or complete a Homeless Certification form
3. Photo ID
4. Social Security Card for all members of a household
5. Letter from Social Security office
6. Verification of income for the last 30 days
7. A copy of the current signed lease agreement (if facing eviction)