Letter to the editor: Use ARPA funds to bridge economic divide

The pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on access to affordable housing. A 2022 report found that, since the pandemic began, Southwestern Pennsylvania was near the top for rents rising faster than home prices. In Westmoreland County, renting costs $400 a month more than a home mortgage. That $400 represents nearly one week’s take-home pay for many middle-class families.

Emergency rental assistance provides temporary relief but does not address underlying barriers to home ownership worsened by the pandemic. The county’s HOMES Investment Partnership Program provides funds to local governments to create decent, safe and affordable housing. But local governments must pay 25% in matching funds, which is nearly impossible under the pandemic. HOMES Program funds for individual home ownership are therefore largely unavailable.

Last May, the county received $52 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds, which could be used to cover municipalities’ 25% match and expand its availability to more middle-class families. But the commissioners made the decision to hold onto ARPA funds.

It’s time for commissioners Sean Kertes, Doug Chew and Gina Cerilli Thrasher to do the right thing and use ARPA funds now to build the middle class and bridge the economic divide between working and middle-class families

Aaron Moore

Arnold

The writer is a member of Voice of Westmoreland.