LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. — United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the PPL Foundation have joined forces to address the growing concern of housing insecurity across the region.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announced this week that the PPL Foundation had provided $500,000 to launch a new, no-to-low barrier rental assistance program for families and individuals at risk of eviction, and to increase support for shelters to help those experiencing homelessness.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2022 Point In Time Count estimates that there are nearly 1,000 homeless individuals across the Lehigh Valley.
- The PPL Foundation has provided $500,000 to the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley to help provide rental assistance and eviction protection, and to support local shelters
- $300,000 in assistance is set to go to help those in need throughout Allentown and Bethlehem
- In addition, $200,000 will go fund 3,500 nights of emergency shelter at five Lehigh Valley shelters across Allentown and Bethlehem throughout 2023 and 2024
According to the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, the housing crisis in the region has increased due to numerous factors, including recent health and economic issues.
“PPL Foundation’s contribution of $500,000 will provide support for thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity right here in the communities we serve."PPL Foundation President Ryan Hill
Housing insecurity
The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent job losses associated with it were a contributing factor to housing insecurity in the Valley, which was compounded by the end of a government moratorium on evictions on August 21, 2021, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to end the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s program.
Increases in rent and housing prices have only added to the problem, and with homeless shelters and services in the Lehigh Valley limited in their capacity to provide assistance due to funding, helping those in need is a difficult endeavor, the organization said.
Across the Lehigh Valley, more than a third of households spend more than the recommended percentage of their income on housing costs, putting them at risk for eviction.
“PPL Foundation’s contribution of $500,000 will provide support for thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity right here in the communities we serve,” PPL Foundation President Ryan Hill said.
“By partnering with United Way, we know these funds will be invested in immediate solutions to address housing insecurity through prevention and intervention.”
With increasing rates of homelessness and significant financial instability in the region, the PPL Foundation partnered to create the “Be a Housing Hero” program and make an additional contribution in honor of every new or increased gift to the United Way during its 2022 annual campaign.
“Housing stability has a direct connection to both physical and mental health for children and adults. Through this significant contribution by the PPL Foundation, we will make a direct and lasting impact for families experiencing hardship today,” United Way President David Lewis said.
Emergency rental assistance
Starting in July, $300,000 in rental assistance will be made available to families and individuals who are experiencing eviction in two district courts: Allentown’s 31-1-01 and Bethlehem’s 03-02-10. Two of the most high-need districts in the Greater Lehigh Valley, these areas are seeing the greatest number of eviction cases at the moment, officials said. These focus areas also cover United Way Community Schools, so the targeted assistance will help children to remain in both their homes and schools.
“The last few years have proved that emergency rental funds are highly effective at keeping families housed. As government funds become more limited, support from partners such as PPL Foundation will fill a critical need for many that have fallen behind in rent,” Impact for United Way Vice President Erin Connelly said.
Support for shelters
The program was developed in partnership with members of the Lehigh Valley Regional Homeless Advisory Board and North Penn Legal Service, and funds will be distributed by housing partners including the Lehigh Conference of Churches and New Bethany.
In addition, $200,000 will go to fund 3,500 nights of emergency shelter at five Lehigh Valley sites across Allentown and Bethlehem for 2023 and 2024. Emergency shelters and funding to support hotel and motel stays ensure families in need of shelter have a safe place to go. A total of 500 households experiencing homelessness will have access to one week of housing through this funding.
Services will be provided by Sixth Street Shelter, Victory House, Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, The Salvation Army of the Lehigh Valley and Valley Youth House. Shelters offer wrap-around services and case management support for youth, families, veterans, older adults, and women experiencing domestic abuse to help get them back on the path to stability.
Organizations began receiving funds on July 1, 2023.
