Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Free tax preparation program that is available to individuals and families with household incomes up to $56,000 annually. This program also ensured people filed to receive their Economic Impact Payments and Child Tax Credit.

• 188 returns prepared in 2022
• $208,000+ in refunds generated
• Over $40,000 in tax preparation fees saved

Pocono Rental Assistance Program

Through rental assistance and case management services, the Pocono Rental Assistance Program helps to prevent homelessness in Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne Counties.

• 51 households with 120 individuals were assisted to remain housed in Fiscal Year 2021-22

• $41,925 in direct client assistance provided for Monroe County residents

Emergency Rental Assistance Program

No longer accepting applications, ERAP was in partnership with the County of Monroe as a response to the COVID-19 crisis. This program has provided up to 15 months of rental and utility assistance to households that have been financially impacted directly or indirectly during the COVID-19 crisis.

• 2,400 households with an estimated 7,300 individuals were assisted to remain housed

• Average payment amount of $6500 for delinquent rent and utilities

• Over $19,345,000 has been distributed in Monroe through tow rounds of state ERAP funding, as well as several extra rounds of reallocations from other counties.

Landlord-Tenant Eviction Mediation Program

Voluntary, confidential, and free program where a mediator works with both landlords and tenants to identify their needs and help them negotiate a solution. Unlike the court system, landlords and tenants participating in mediation have more options to create a mutual agreement that is acceptable to all parties.

• 113 households including 267 individuals served in Fiscal Year 2021-2022

• 98% of households were still housed an average of 30 days after receiving assistance

Eviction Mediation Flyer

Pathways to Homeownership Program

Get support from a HUD-Certified Housing Counselor on how to create a customized path to homeownership! Individuals who work with HUD counselors are 30% less likely to experience foreclosure. Successful, sustainable homeownership begins with educated homebuyers. You will have the tools, capacity, and knowledge to know your options so you can make the best choices about whether and what to buy, affordable financing plans, and accessing possible financial assistance programs. To learn more, call 570-517-3954, or email HousingHelp@PoconoUnitedWay.org