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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May
7, 2020
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Gov. Wolf, Attorney General Shapiro Announce Protections
from Foreclosures and Evictions Through July 10
Harrisburg, PA
– Governor Tom Wolf was joined by Attorney General Josh
Shapiro today to announce that he signed an
executive order
that protects Pennsylvanians from foreclosures or evictions
through July 10. The action builds on a Pennsylvania Supreme
Court order which closed court eviction proceedings until
May 11 and ensures no renter or homeowner will be removed
from their home for 60 more days.
“At a time when people need to stay home to protect their
heath, they should not have to worry about losing their
homes,” said Governor Wolf. “Ensuring that people can remain
in their homes will help them to better protect their loved
ones. It gives families the comfort of knowing they will
have a place to live while all of us work together to fight
COVID-19 and prepare to move Pennsylvania forward.”
“I commend the Governor for his decision to delay eviction
and foreclosure proceedings. We know it’s critical for
public health, and for our economic recovery, that people
stay in their homes during this emergency,” said Attorney
General Shapiro. “This order gives people struggling with
lost income something they can count on — a roof over their
heads.”
In almost all circumstances, renters and homeowners are
required to continue making monthly payments. If you are a
Pennsylvanian struggling to make your monthly payments, you
should contact your landlord or mortgage servicer
immediately.
The Wolf Administration provided
recommendations
last week to stem foreclosures, evictions and help people
experiencing homelessness. The Department of Human Services
activated the commonwealth’s Sheltering Taskforce and is
working with local and state partners to coordinate
resources for people without housing. The Department of
Community and Economic Development is also accepting
applications for
Emergency Solutions Grants
to assist with the rapid rehousing of people experiencing
homelessness, street outreach, homelessness prevention, and
emergency shelter activities.
PHFA is also taking action to help homeowners and renters.
The agency has stopped foreclosures and evictions and is
offering forbearances with late fee waivers to homeowners
with a PHFA mortgage who are experiencing a financial
hardship because of COVID-19. PHFA also developed a list
of renters’ rights and responsibilities
to clarify the situation for apartment residents and is
working with landlords and property managers to distribute
it to renters. PHFA is also encouraging Low-Income Housing
Tax Credit building managers to be flexible on rent payments
and to waive late fees for tenants whose employment has been
affected by the crisis.
“During the past few weeks, we’ve had great cooperation from
Pennsylvanians who understand that staying home is not just
about protecting themselves, it’s about protecting everyone
in the community,” said Gov. Wolf. This executive order
takes one more burden off people who are struggling and
gives them more time to get back on their feet.
More helpful information is available from the following:
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lyndsay Kensinger, RA-GVGOVPRESS@pa.gov
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