United Way Announces $105 Million in Aid Available to Pennsylvania Homeowners Facing Foreclosure and the Launch of PA 2-1-1 Southwest

On Monday, July 11, United Way of Allegheny County hosted a press conference to announce the availability of over $100 million in foreclosure aid for Pennsylvania through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Emergency Homeowners’ Loan Program (EHLP), and the launch of PA 2-1-1 Southwest.

Michael Dear, board president, Action Housing; Brian A. Hudson Sr., executive director and CEO, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA); Dan Onorato, Allegheny County Executive; and Julie DeSeyn, Director Pennsylvania 2-1-1- Southwest spoke to the media and conference attendees about the intricacies of the EHLP funds, and PA 2-1-1 Southwest which has just launched in Allegheny County to connect residents with social, health and government services.

EHLP funds are available to qualified homeowners who are delinquent on their mortgages and are in danger of foreclosure due to the loss of a job, an involuntary reduction in work hours, or a medical issue. The program pledges to pay up to 24 months of mortgage payments capped at $50,000 for eligible homeowners.

As of last week, 30 loans for $944,296 had been approved for Allegheny County residents, and statewide, 755 loans at $27.3 million had been approved. The deadline for applying to EHLP funds is September 30, so United Way and PHFA are working together to spread the word about EHLP and to get the remainder of the funds to homeowners in need.

Brian A. Hudson Sr. said that he is lobbying to extend the program's deadline, but if they are unable to get an extension, does not plan to leave any money on the table.

"The name of the game is to try to reach as many homeowners as possible," Mr. Hudson said.

PA 2-1-1 Southwest will provide an easy way for residents to get connected to this funding, and to other vital human services. PA 2-1-1 Southwest is launching in Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington and Westmoreland counties. Residents located outside of the service area should dial 1-800-552-4171 to reach a 2-1-1 representative.

"Just remember one number, 2-1-1. If you have a problem or think you’re going to be foreclosed on, call that number and they’ll be able to send you in the right direction,” said County Executive Onorato.