Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP)
In 2009, Lancaster County of Lancaster received $1,382,274 in Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) funds as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to further the County’s goal of ending homelessness. The City of Lancaster received $738,012 in HPRP funds and contracted with the Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority to administer the funds.
HPRP funds will be used for persons experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness that lost employment due to the economy, were either newly homeless or at the greatest risk of homelessness, and had incomes of less than 50% of Lancaster County’s Median Family Income. Financial assistance could be made available for rental assistance, rent arrearages or utility deposits to prevent households from becoming homeless. Financial assistance would also be made available to persons that are experiencing homelessness to rapidly re-house them. For both target populations, assistance is available for three months not to exceed $2,500 per household. Funds are provided directly to landlords and/or utility companies. A website outlining this information can be found at http://www.lancasterrenthelp.com/.
United Way LINC provides centralized assessment services for all prospective HPRP clients. If a client is assessed by LINC to meet the preliminary eligibility criteria for HPRP, they are referred to the appropriate agency. For clients at risk of losing their housing but needing only minimal case management services, the Community Action Program of Lancaster County provides services and financial assistance. For clients at risk of homelessness but needing intensive case management services, Tabor Community Services provides services and financial assistance. For clients that are literally homeless, Tabor Community Services provides rapid re-housing services along with financial assistance. Abel/Savage Communications and Marketing, Inc. was chosen to assist in the HPRP outreach efforts.
The Lancaster County Redevelopment Authority obligated the HPRP funds to the subgrantees in September and the HPRP began October 1, 2009. From October 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 a total of 162 persons in 57 households were assisted under the program. The majority of person served were for homeless prevention. A total of $142,632.48 was expended under the program during October 1, 2009 and December 31, 2009. A total of $63,127 was spent on financial assistance and $42,855 was spent on services.
