Last week, my column discussed the potential for a local utility assistance program to help residents through the ongoing financial problems caused by the pandemic. The very next day, Montgomery County announced a new program aimed at helping accomplish that very same goal. However, their program includes rent and utility relief, rather than focusing singularly on utility bills. This program allows for residents to receive up to $1,500-per-month in assistance dating back to March 1, 2020.
The funds for this extremely necessary program are coming directly from the CARES Act, which is aimed at helping residents continue to manage and mitigate financial distress they are experiencing due to the pandemic. The application process is being managed by four key non-profit organizations across the county. Locally, Manna on Main Street is managing the process and can be reached via their website here or by calling 215-855-5454, ext. 22. In order to qualify, you must meet the following guidelines:
As noted in my previous article, we need programs like this this right now. Friends, family members, and neighbors are struggling with the financial impact of this pandemic and that is likely to continue for several more months as we head into a very uncertain fall. If you need help, if you are struggling and are need of assistance, please make sure you reach out to Manna about this program and see if you qualify.
Obviously, the addition of this program certainly helps alleviate the challenges of our local government having to build our own relief efforts. However, it would be short-sighted to suggest that as a community we will never be called upon to help residents through emergency events in the future and maybe even during this pandemic. I am hopeful that this attempt at helping residents manage necessary bills will keep them from having a back log of debt that many will be challenged to climb out of, even after the pandemic has passed.
To all those who helped create this program and who are helping administer it, thank you so much for your hard work. You are making a difference in our residents’ lives in massive ways. The stress and weight of overdue bills that can destroy lives and families and this program, hopefully, will be able to reach enough people to keep us fighting for a little bit longer and help us rebound a little bit faster.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Emergency Electric Grant Program May Help Borough Residents Behind On Power Bills
Mayoral Musings: The Value Of Minority Perspectives In Law Enforcement
Mayoral Musings: Prioritizing Transparency By Adopting Body-Worn Cameras
Mayoral Musings: Local Mail Delivery Issues Continue…And Could Get Worse
Mayoral Musings: Skatepark Etiquette
