Dauphin County invites those struggling to pay rent and facing possible eviction, or those struggling to pay utilities, to apply for the reopened Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program (ERAP) starting Monday, July 15. 

ERAP assists households who were impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, between March 13, 2020 through May 11, 2023, in ways that include, 1) experiencing a reduction in household income, 2) incurring significant costs, or 3) experiencing other financial hardships during or due to the pandemic.  

Eligible applications will be prioritized based on current income and pending eviction Applicants who have previously received assistance may receive up to an additional three months of assistance, not to exceed 15 months total for all applications. New applicants are eligible for up to 12 months of assistance based on need and the availability of funding. 

All applicants will be encouraged to participate in housing stability case management to assist in preventing future homelessness and returning families to housing stability.  Housing stability case management is a collaborative process that assesses, plans, and coordinates the human service needs to promote resource management, health, and referrals for resources needed and desired ongoing supports.

Applications will be accepted online at www.dauphincounty.rentrelief.com

 beginning at 9 am on July 15, through 4:30 p.m. on July 30.  Questions can be directed to 211 or emailed to rentutilityassist@dauphincounty.gov.

Funds will be distributed in accordance with federal and state regulations and prioritization as funding allows. Information will be updated online on the County and State websites.

As residents apply, Dauphin County Commissioners George Hartwick, III, Justin Douglas, and Mike Pries urge caution about potential fraudulent attempts to collect your personal information.  Be aware that dishonest people may take advantage of the funding and could attempt to harm renters through scams and other forms of harassment. If you are in doubt, please communicate with the County of Dauphin team, 211/Contact Helpline staff, Christian Churches United, and/or Salvation Army.

• Verify phone numbers and email addresses before providing any information. Our team will provide their name, the reason that they are calling, contact information, and an explanation of the program needs.
• Be suspicious of unsolicited contact from persons reporting to be affiliated with your landlord or property management company by requesting the person’s name and contact information, then contact your landlord using your normal method.
• Currently known scams are listed at:  https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dhs/report-fraud/scams.html.
• There are various types of fraud schemes, including a focus on older adult participants. Criminals target program participants with fraud schemes such as claiming to offer admission to the program for a fee, discounts if paid by cash, and/or request deposit monies before ever meeting you, creating false rental ads, and intentionally misrepresenting an agency.
• Fraud in this program will not be tolerated or excused.

Renters should report possible fraud to HUD’s Office of Inspector General at hotline@hudoig.gov or the official website, https://www.hudoig.gov/hotline.

Renters who experience sexual harassment or discrimination from their landlord or prospective landlord may also contact HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity at (800) 669-9777 or submit an online complaint at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint#_How_to_File.