Housing Stability Support When You Need It Most
The Fresh Start Fund provides short-term financial assistance and housing counseling to eligible households experiencing a housing crisis.
The program helps residents facing eviction, foreclosure, utility disconnection, or other documented housing-related hardships build a path toward long-term housing stability.
Program at a Glance
- Up to $750 per household
- Housing stability assistance
- Two required counseling sessions
- Direct payment to approved third parties
- Application and eligibility review required
Who May Qualify
- Live within ZIP codes 15213 or 15219
- Household income at or below 120% of Area Median Income
- Facing eviction, foreclosure, or other documented housing instability
- Willing to participate in housing counseling
- Able to provide required supporting documentations
What Customers Can Expect
Step 1: Contact NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania
Step 2: Complete an initial screening and provide documentation
Step 3: Attend your first housing counseling appointment
Step 4: Attend your second housing counseling appointment
Step 5: Application review and funding determination
Step 6: Follow-up and housing stability planning
More Than Financial Assistance
Every participant works with a trained housing counselor to assess their situation, identify solutions, and develop a personalized action plan.
Our goal is not only to address immediate challenges through direct payment of bills, but to help households build long-term financial and housing stability. We can assist you with:
- Past-due rent
- Mortgage delinquency
- Utility arrears affecting housing stability
- Delinquent property taxes
- Homeowners insurance
- Other documented housing-related expenses that contribute to eviction or foreclosure risk
Documents You Will Need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Recent bank statements
- Income documentation
- Documentation of the hardship
- Current bill, delinquency notice, utility notice, foreclosure notice, or similar documentation
Community Partner Referrals
We welcome referrals from social service agencies, legal service providers, housing organizations, faith-based groups, healthcare providers, and community partners.
If you are interested in learning more about referral opportunities, please contact our team at information@neighborworkswpa.org
Ready to Get Started?
Not eligible for Fresh Start Fund? NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania offers additional counseling and housing programs that may be able to help.
Frequenty Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact us
NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania
Phone: (412) 281-9773
Email: information@neighborworkswpa.org
