Just in time, as federal protection against evicting behind-on-rent tenants runs out March 31, Bucks County announced a $37 million safety net, reports Peg Quann in the Bucks County Courier Times. 

Word about the Bucks County Emergency Rental Assistance (BERA) spread fast among tenants and landlords. Within hours of the announcement, it already had 900 applicants seeking assistance.  

“Whether it’s a job loss, medical bills or caring for ill loved ones, there are many ways this pandemic has upended life for Bucks County residents,” said Jeffery Fields, director of the county’s Department of Housing and Community Development. “The BERA program’s goal is to stop evictions and displacement of renters, while helping landlords get the funds needed to pay their mortgages and maintain their properties.” 

Tenants who are behind on their rent — as well as landlords who haven’t received rental payments —  are encouraged to apply for the rent/utility assistance online. Prospective BERA applicants can also call 888-50-BUCKS for answers to questions. 

Full details of the assistance program are available in the Bucks County Courier Times story, here.