COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the Allentown Housing Authority (AHA) is taking these steps to protect staff, residents and the community.

Starting March 17 all AHA offices will be closed to the public. Staff will be working, as conditions permit, but the offices will be closed to walk in traffic.
When you request a work order, you will be asked if anyone is sick in your apartment. If anyone in your apartment is exhibiting flu like symptoms, the work will be deferred until everyone is symptom free. The maintenance staff has been instructed to ask the same questions before they enter your apartment.
As always, maintenance staff will respond to emergencies.
The AHA is suspending all third party contract work to be completed in resident apartments through March 31.
The AHA is securing services to deep clean the common areas of each building. Part of the treatment includes the spraying of disinfectant in the air. We ask that you stay out of the common areas for one hour after the treatment. You will be able to stay in your apartment while the work is being completed.
1. The teams are certified in Infectious Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) and arrive trained on the proper methods and industry-approved Personal Protective Equipment with EPA-Registered disinfectant solutions.
2. The disinfectant used is an EPA-Registered, commercial grade disinfectant with a 98% kill rate (approximately 20 times higher than top industry standard solutions and over-the-counter disinfectants). This disinfectant has been proven effective against the other prior known forms of human coronavirus.
3. The process involves a ULV fogging application of disinfectant to all airspaces and surfaces, followed by wiping high traffic touch points, such as doorknobs, faucets, light switches, etc.
The AHA is suspending all non-criminal evictions until further notice.
If you are losing employment income as a result of this pandemic, please check our website allentownhousing.org for the appropriate forms. Fill out the forms and submit them to the office using email, fax, or the mail box if one is available at your location.
To email the information: rentchange@allentownhousing.org
To fax the information: 484-214-8145
Any interviews necessary to collect information will be completed over the phone, or through the use of a video conferencing application.

Statutory and Regulatory Waivers

Allentown Housing Authority COVID Waiver Summary
http://www.allentownhousing.org/pdf/CovidWaiver_202106.pdf

COVID-19 Statutory and Regulatory Waivers for the Public Housing, Housing Choice Voucher http://www.allentownhousing.org/pdf/PIH2020-05_WaiverWorksheet_202004.pdf
Pursuant to the authority provided under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136), HUD is waiving and establishing alternative requirements for numerous statutory and regulatory requirements for the Public Housing program, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) program, and Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) program. These waivers provide administrative flexibilities and relief to public housing agencies (PHAs), Indian tribes, and tribally designated housing entities (TDHEs) in response to the COVID-19 national emergency. With respect to the Public Housing and HCV programs, use of these waivers is at the discretion of the PHA; however, HUD strongly encourages PHAs to utilize any and all waivers and alternative requirements as necessary to keep public housing and HCV programs operational to the extent practicable. This document is a summary of the waivers, provided by HUD, and selected by the Allentown Housing Authority.

Information Links

Allentown Housing Authority Offices: http://www.allentownhousing.org/pdf/covid19_InfoEng.pdf
Allentown Housing Authority Offices (Spanish): http://www.allentownhousing.org/pdf/covid19_InfoEsp.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
PA Department of Health: https://www.health.pa.gov/Pages/AlertDetails.aspx
COVID-19 Testing Information: https://www.lvhn.org/testing-services/coronavirus-covid-19-care
Allentown Police Department on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allentownpolice
Allentown School District Food Distribution: https://www.allentownsd.org/departments/community_and_student_services/health_services/COVID19

Warmline (610-820-8451): https://pbfalv.org/programs/warmline/
Warmline is a free telephone support service for Lehigh Valley adults challenged by loneliness, isolation, stress and anxiety, or who need information about available services.

Payments for Non-Filers: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/non-filers-enter-payment-info-here
The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service have created a web tool allowing quick registration for Economic Impact Payments for those individuals who don't normally file a tax return.

Forms

Rent Change Request

To provide information to the Allentown Housing Authority. You can email the information to us at rentchange@allentownhousing.org or you can fax the information to 484-214-8145. Please remember if you are emailing or faxing to cover any personal identifying information, social security number, address, birth date, etc. If you know your id number (tXXXXXXX) you can write that on the information. We will process your requests as quickly as possible.