ACCESSING SERVICES
The Clinton County Housing Coalition is an active partner in the Eastern PA Continuum of Care’s “Connect to Home” coordinated entry system. If you are experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of becoming homeless, DIAL 2-1-1 or TEXT your zip code to 898-211 to connect 24/7 to a trained professional who will assess your housing needs. Our case managers continually monitor this system for local referrals. Walk-in sites will be opening soon. Updates will be posted on our website.
LIFE CENTER & MERIT HOUSE SHELTERS
The Life Center provides short-term temporary housing for families and individuals who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. The Merit House provides emergency overnight shelter for single adults. Clients in either program may participate in case management services.
Following HUD’s “Housing First” model, clients are quickly moved into permanent housing then offered individualized case management services that assist them in overcoming barriers to stability and self-sufficiency. This model help to reduce stress to those experiencing housing crisis.
Clients are eligible for Case Management for up to twelve months. Life Skills Training includes both in-house counseling and links to community service agencies for assistance. Major topics include:
· Obtaining & Maintaining Housing
· Job Search & Workplace Skills
· Budgeting
· Mental Health Counseling
· Addiction Counseling
· Nutrition & Healthy Living Practices
· Parenting Skills
· Disability Claims Navigation
RENTAL ASSISTANCE & PERMANENT HOUSING
The Clinton County Housing Coalition administers a variety of rental assistance programs including:
· Emergency Solutions Grant
· Homelessness Assistance Program
· PHARE Act 13 Funds
· United Way Emergency Shelter Funds
These programs typically all provide security deposit and short-term rental assistance; however, the eligibility requirements and guidelines are unique for each program. Not all applicants will qualify. To get started, please refer to the section “Accessing Services” below.
Our history of working with local landlords helps our client’s ability to locate and maintain permanent housing. Providing case management services even after the rental assistance ends increases a landlord’s willingness to work with hard-to-place households.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: www.consumerfinance.gov/renthelp
Clinton County Economic Partnership: www.clintoncountyinfo.com
Clinton County Government: www.clintoncountypa.com
STEP: www.stepcorp.org
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: www.phfa.org
