Updated: 04/17/2020
As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve in our community, York Housing Authority is committed to helping those in need during this time. Below please find some frequently asked questions we have been receiving and what you need to know as we navigate this crisis.
If you have any questions as you review the information below, please reach out to our team at: (717) 845-2601.
Please check back on this page for additional updates and resources to help you and your family during these challenging times.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
GENERAL QUESTIONS
Are you open?
Yes, while our physical offices may be closed, we are open and operational. If you need to speak with someone, please call us during our normal business hours (see below for more info) at (717) 845-2601. If you know the person you want to speak with directly, please contact them by using their email or phone extension in our staff directory. You can also submit a message through our website here.
Business Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Are you accepting new resident applications?
Yes, for an applications, please click here.
What do I do with my paperwork?
We ask that if you have paperwork to submit, that you send it one of the following ways (please note: no photographs of paperwork will be accepted):
- Leave in a drop box at any of the management offices
- Mail to: 31 S Broad St., York, PA 17403
- Fax to: 717-845-9251
- Email to:
Receptionist
info@yorkhousing.org
Section 8 Assistant Coordinators
Cindy Catalano, Ext. 1122: ccatalano@yorkhousing.org
Katrina Bloom ext 1132: kbloom@yorkhousing.org
Abby Fisher, Ext. 1108: afisher@yorkhousing.org
Section 8 Management Aids
Aleidis Colon, Ext. 1106: acvelez@yorkhousing.org
Myrna Porto, Ext. 1107: mporto@yorkhousing.org
Public housing Tenant Selection
Brenda Borrero, Ext. 1119: bborrero@yorkhousing.org
Wanda Medina-Rivera, Ext. 1118: wmrivera@yorkhousing.org
RENT QUESTIONS
Do I need to pay my rent during this time? What do I do if I can’t? Can I get evicted if I don’t pay?
Yes, you are required to pay rent in accordance with your lease agreement as there has been no payment suspension or forgiveness instituted under State and Federal Law. It is in your best interest to pay as much as you can to avoid future financial stress when the eviction moratorium is lifted.
If you are having difficulty paying your rent (or utilities), please contact your landlord, utility company or other business to arrange a payment plan.
All residential evictions are temporarily suspended by Order of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court until April 30, 2020. This date may be extended by further Order of the Court. The Order applies to evictions for non-payment of rent only. Evictions based on non-payment lease violations can proceed when the courts are available.
How do I prioritize what should get paid first?
Separating what is essential from non-essential payments and developing a crisis budget is a good first step. Examples of essential payments include:
- Rent/mortgage
- Utility bills
- Groceries
- Gas for vehicles
- Insurance
Examples of non-essential payments include:
- Cable TV/Netflix and other subscription services
- Takeout dinner
- Hair/cosmetics
- Expensive cell phone data plans
- Entertainment
Can utilities turn off my service if I don’t pay my bill?
The Pennsylvania Utility Commission has temporarily prohibited utility companies from termination (shut-offs) of service for non-payment of charges. The moratorium will remain in place as long as Governor Tom Wolf’s Proclamation of Disaster remains in effect. Again, it is in your best interest to make full or partial payment if/when you can in order to avoid financial stress when the shut-off moratorium is lifted and all payments become due.
MAINTENANCE QUESTIONS
What if I have a maintenance issue?
Our maintenance staff will be handling emergencies only. If you have a work order concern, please call (717) 843-6309.
What is considered an emergency request?
The following conditions are examples of situations or conditions considered an emergency and would require immediate response:
- Lock out
- No heat – if unit temperature is below 68 degrees
- Main sewer line clogged for complete units or row of units
- Sewer back ups causing unit to flood
- Gas leaks or gas odors
- Toilet clog if unit only has one toilet
- Water leaks that cannot be controlled, by shutting off the water to that area
- Fire
- Total loss of electricty
- Broken exterior doors or windows
- Any situation that clearly presents an immediate danger to health or safety
- Refrigerator failure after 4:00pm on Fridays, during weekends or holidays