Renters facing homelessness or who are currently homeless due to a situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic can apply for rental funding through Catholic Charities as the result of a new grant.

The $1.5 million Emergency Solutions Grant earmarked for the county through the state Department of Community and Economic Development came from $19 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act money awarded to the state, according to a news release from Gov. Tom Wolf's office.

Amanda Feltenberger, the county's director of integrated services, said the funds are to be used for homeless prevention, rapid rehousing or emergency shelter for those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless because of the pandemic.

“Based on what we've seen so far, that can be kind of flexible,” Feltenberger said of pandemic-related situations that could determine eligibility.

Recipients must be tenants or former tenants who earn a maximum of 50 percent of the median area income. Butler County's median area income is $68,472 annually.

Feltenberger said tenants can begin contacting Catholic Charities, which will administer the program for the county, at the beginning of August for an assessment to determine their eligibility for the funding.

The grant comes on the heels of CARES Rent Relief Program funding the county received in June through the state Housing Finance Agency (PHFA).

The county commissioners at their June meeting asked for and expected to receive about $2 million in PHFA funding, which is available to homeowners as well.

Feltenberger said the county will receive an initial allocation of about $560,000 in PHFA funds and additional funds when that amount is depleted, based on need at that time.

The PHFA funds are open to renters, homeowners and landlords.

Wolf said in his news release that the pandemic has adversely affected housing opportunities, safety and housing reliability for thousands of Pennsylvanians.

“As we begin to recover our economy, we must also ensure that our most vulnerable Pennsylvanians and those at greatest risk of losing their homes and housing stability are able to recover as well,” Wolf said.

The county also received its regular annual Emergency Solutions Grant of $60,383 in June.