WLVT - TV - Allentown recently set aside $400,000.00 to help low-income residents, impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, pay rent. While the funds were made available on Friday, May 1st, the response was so "overwhelming," the program was closed after one day.
"When it's all said and done, we have about 255 applications," said Leonard Lightner, director of the city's Department of Community and Economic Development. "We didn't want to continue to keep it open and give people false hope."
Lightner says the program may only be able to service about 185 applicants, but the City is currently searching for more funding sources and creative ways to help at-risk residents pay rent during the pandemic.
The rental assistance program was funded with money the City received as part of economic relief provided by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.