BERKS COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS INC logo

Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDA)

BERKS COALITION TO END HOMELESSNESS INC

Foundation Rolling (Quarterly) Grants for HomelessHousing Grants for Nonprofits
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Funding Amount

Dollar-to-dollar match of resident's expected monthly rent (up to monthly rent amount)

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Security Deposit Assistance Program (SDA)

Program Type: Direct assistance to individuals (not a grant program for organizations)

Geographic Scope: Berks County, Pennsylvania

Program Purpose: The Security Deposit Assistance Program is designed to assist individuals currently experiencing homelessness in securing housing units by addressing the financial constraints associated with obtaining a residence. The program specifically aims to alleviate the challenging hurdle of fulfilling security deposit requirements for those without stable housing.

Award Amount:

  • Security deposit assistance at a dollar-to-dollar match of the resident's expected monthly rent

  • Eligible applicants who fulfill all program requirements can receive financial support equal to their anticipated monthly rent

  • One-time payment only per household

    • What Funds Cover:

  • Security deposits only

    • What Funds DO NOT Cover:

  • 1st month's rent

  • Last month's rent

  • Rental application fees

  • Move-in fees

  • Start-up costs

  • Deposits for utilities

  • Moving expenses

    • Eligibility Requirements:

  • Currently experiencing homelessness

  • Household income at 50% Area Median Income (AMI) or below

  • All adult household members must meet income requirement

  • Valid photo identification for all adult household members

  • Completed tenant application

  • Valid lease or rent-to-own agreement

  • Completed landlord application

  • Resident in Berks County

    • What is NOT Eligible:

  • Rent-to-own properties

  • Room rentals

  • Future rent payments

    • Acceptable Income Verification:

  • Employment paystubs (past 30 days)

  • Award letters for current unemployment compensation

  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

  • SSDA (Social Security Disability Award)

  • Current retirement or pension verification letters

  • Child support is NOT accepted as source of income

    • Landlord Requirements:

  • Landlord must complete and submit Landlord Application

  • Landlord application includes landlord information and payment verification by tenant

  • Landlord will be contacted by SDA staff after tenant application review

    • Contact Information:

  • Phone: (610) 372-7222

  • Address: 600 Penn St, Reading, PA 19601

  • Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm

    • Language: Available in English and Spanish

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    Step 1: Schedule Appointment (Recommended)

  • Appointment not required but strongly suggested

  • Call (610) 372-7222 to schedule

    • Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

  • Valid photo identification for all adult household members

  • Income verification documents (see acceptable forms below)

  • Valid lease or rent-to-own agreement

  • Completed Tenant Application

    • Step 3: Submit Application In Person

  • Applications must be submitted in person at BCEH office

  • Location: 600 Penn St, Reading, PA 19601

  • Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm

  • Applications that are dropped off, emailed, or mailed will NOT be accepted

  • Can request paper application at office if needed

    • Step 4: SDA Staff Review

  • SDA staff reviews completed application and required paperwork

  • SDA staff will contact landlord if application is being processed

    • Step 5: Landlord Application

  • SDA staff contacts landlord after tenant application review

  • Landlord must complete and submit Landlord Application

  • Landlord application includes:

    • - Landlord information
    - Payment verification made by tenant

    Step 6: Approval Notification

  • Once application approved, both tenant and landlord notified via email or phone

  • Important: Provide accurate contact information to ensure notification

    • Step 7: Payment

  • Payment provided upon approval

    • Step 8: Application Denial Appeal (if applicable)

  • Applications may be denied if:

    • - Not eligible for program
    - Income exceeds 50% AMI
    - Incomplete application
    - Failed to fulfill program requirements
  • Applicants notified via phone/email of denial

  • Limited time to resubmit missing information

  • Can complete appeal form available online

  • Submit appeal to SDA office as soon as possible

    • Required Materials

    For Tenants:

  • Valid photo identification

  • Income verification (choose one or more):

    • - Employment paystubs (past 30 days)
    - Award letters for unemployment compensation
    - SSI/SSDA documentation
    - Retirement/pension verification letters
  • Valid lease or rent-to-own agreement

  • Completed Tenant Application

    • For Landlords:

  • Landlord information

  • Payment verification from tenant

  • Completed Landlord Application

    • Submission Format

    • In-person submission only
    • Must bring physical documents to BCEH office
    • Can download application from website or request paper version at office

    Application Forms Available

    • Tenant Application (downloadable from website)
    • Landlord Application (downloadable from website)
    • Appeal Form (available online)
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    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    homelesshousing

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