Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative (AHSC) Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Allegheny Housing Stabilization Collaborative, or AHSC?

AHSC is the umbrella term for eviction prevention funding in Allegheny County. Tenants and landlords do not need to apply to individual programs; anyone who needs assistance is screened for all the available funding. Funding sources can change or be exhausted throughout the program, often without notice, and eligibility criteria are subject to change.

 

Why is the program changing? I still need help paying rent.

Since the COVID pandemic, the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan have provided rental assistance funding, which, at its peak, amounted to more than $160 million. Unfortunately, over the last four years, these funds have rapidly dwindled.

While rental assistance existed before the pandemic and continues to be available annually, funding for these programs is far below COVID-era funding. We are making changes to the COVID-era programs so that we may provide resources to as many people as possible as these program funds wind down. We are also actively working with community partners to attempt to secure more rental assistance dollars in the future and continue to administer the annual on-going programs.

 

What do these changes mean for me?

If you have previously received an ERAP or FEPP payment, you are unfortunately not eligible to receive another payment from the more extensive COVID-era sources. However, if you live in the City of Pittsburgh or Penn Hills, other funding may be available to assist you. We are constantly working with community partners and actively seeking additional funding to help with eviction prevention, and we will add more funding as it becomes available.

 

Who can get rental assistance now?

If you have an active eviction filing or mediation agreement, you can be screened to see if you are eligible for rental assistance. Each funding source has distinct eligibility criteria, such as month and dollar maximums on assistance and differing income eligibility levels. AHSC staff work with applicants to determine eligibility and gather documentation based on funding sources.

 

What about utilities?

Unfortunately, there is no utility assistance available through AHSC. For utility assistance, there are other options:

  • The Low-Income Energy Home Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will make cash payments to your utility company.

Read more about it and find out how to apply: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx.

  • The Low-Income Household Water Assistance (LIHWAP) will help pay overdue water bills.

Find out more: https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHWAP.aspx

  • The Dollar Energy fund gives grants to eligible families to pay utilities. How to apply.

 

What if I’m being evicted?

There are people who can help!

  • If you are facing the threat of eviction and you’ve received notice of a pre-filing, contact Just Mediation Pittsburgh at 412-228-0730. Please note that this program requires your landlord to participate.
  • If you are facing an eviction action, please contact Neighborhood Legal Services at 412-255-6700.
  • Consider stopping by the Housing Stabilization Center at 415 Seventh Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh; Walk-in hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Note that the last walk-in is taken at 4:00 pm so the doors may be locked after that.

 

Am I prevented from evicting a tenant if they have applied for rental assistance?

You cannot evict a tenant for unpaid rent for any months AHSC has paid. Other than that, there are no restrictions on the ability to pursue an eviction due to participation in AHSC. We always encourage landlords to work with their tenants.

 

How will you pay me when my tenant is approved for assistance?

Payments are processed daily, but hundreds of applications are moving each week, so please allow some time once you provide the needed documentation. If you provide banking information, you will receive a deposit directly into your account from ACTION-Housing between 2 to 10 days after you receive the award letter. If you request a check, it may take up to 15 days to receive after you receive the award letter.

 

What if I’ve received an award letter for my tenant but do not see the money in my account or have not received a check?

Issues beyond our control, such as bank rejections, mail delays, or problems with your W9, may sometimes cause payment delays. If that happens, we will contact you to fix the issue. If you believe there may be a payment issue, please email rentalassistance@actionhousing.org. A staff member monitors this email inbox daily. ACH is always faster and easier to track, so we encourage landlords to consider accepting payment that way.

 

I’ve sent several emails or left voicemails about my application and/or payments but haven’t received a response. How long should I expect to wait?

Due to high participation in the program, we ask for your patience, but you should expect a response to your email within five days. If you’ve called, it could be 10-14 days. If you’ve reached out, you will get a response. Emailing or calling multiple times delays response to everyone. You can also come to the Housing Stabilization Center at 415 Seventh Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15219, Monday through Thursday, 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Note that the last walk-in is taken at 4 pm so the doors may be locked after that.

 

How will I know if funding is no longer available?

While COVID-era funding is dwindling, other funding for rental assistance continues to be available annually. If you receive an award letter, rest assured that any funds committed under that letter are available.

 

 

Back to Top