Housing Programs & Resources
Shared Housing and Resource Exchange (SHARE) is an affordable housing choice that brings together homeowners who want to share their home with home seekers who are looking for housing in exchange for rent, help around the house, or a combination of both. The home seeker receives their own bedroom and agreed upon use of the common areas. Every arrangement is unique depending on the needs, preferences, and abilities of the participants involved. SHARE is currently available in Bucks, Carbon, Crawford, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Monroe, Montgomery, Northampton, Northumberland, Pike, Snyder, Union, and Wayne counties.
Why share a home?
Some people like the idea of having another person around the house. Others are looking for an affordable place to live or a way to supplement their income in order to meet household expenses. In some cases, it enables the older adult to remain in their home and community.
Homesharing offers the homeowner:
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Income to help with expenses
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A responsible tenant
Homesharing offers the home seeker:
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A private bedroom with agreed upon, shared common spaces
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Affordable rent
Homesharing may offer participants help with household tasks or other agreed upon services. It may also offer the home seeker reduced rent in exchange for services.
How does SHARE work?
A homeowner and home seeker meet separately with the SHARE Housing Counselor to discuss needs and preferences, complete the application, and provide references.
The SHARE Housing Counselor will:
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Conduct reference and background checks
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Identify potential home share matches
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Introduce the homeowners and home seekers
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Coordinate the written homesharing agreement
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Oversee trial living periods
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Provide ongoing support during the term of the agreement
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Connect the participants to other community resources.
Who is eligible?
Older adults, persons with disabilities, veterans, working professionals, college students, individuals at-risk of homelessness, single-parents, or people simply wishing to share their lives and homes with others. SHARE participants must be at least 18 years of age and one of the individuals in the match must be over 60.
In Lackawanna County, contact Kecia Snyder at (570) 963-6781 or
SHARE - Shared Housing and Resource Exchange
Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO)
The Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging, in partnership with the PA Department of Aging, has created the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) program. Qualifying residents are able to rent a small, transportable home that can be temporarily placed on the property of a family member or other host.
What is ECHO Housing?
ECHO stands for Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity. Elder cottages are small, separate, manufactured residences that are temporarily placed in the side or rear yard of an older adult’s friend or family member. It is an affordable housing option, meaning that the resident will pay no more than 30% of their income on rent.
What are the Benefits of ECHO Housing?
• ECHO cottages provide safety and autonomy for older adults along with easy access to family members who can provide assistance. Instead of having to travel far to pick up mom or dad for appointments or shopping, he/she is only steps away;
• Both the elder and the host family maintain their privacy and dignity;
• In addition to improving the health of the older resident, stress on caregivers is reduced and family cohesiveness is preserved;
• Placing a temporary elder cottage near one’s home is also more cost effective and timely than making home modifications, which are expensive and can change the permanent character and use of the home;
• ECHO housing is much more affordable than nursing home care; and
• Finally, but not of least importance, access to an elder cottage can prevent premature institutionalization of an older adult
Applications are now closed for the Elder Cottage Housing Opportunity (ECHO) in Lackawanna County.
You can direct any questions to:
Mary Endrusick
NeighborWorks NEPA
815 Smith Street
Scranton, PA 18504
MEndrusick@nwnepa.org
Domiciliary Care Program
Tax Extension or Deferral Program
In accordance with § 504 of the Real Estate Tax Sale Law, (72 P.S. § 5860.504), the Lackawanna County Board of Commissioners adopted Ordinance 16-0255, authorizing the Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau to extend or defer the payment of real estate tax claims related to residential real estate which is owned and occupied solely by a person sixty-five (65) years of age or older or is owned and occupied jointly by persons all of whom are sixty-five (65) years of age or older and whose household income is equal to or less than the maximum household income necessary to qualify for a property tax or rent rebate under the Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF PROGRAM
The Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau may upon the recommendation of the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging and NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania grant an extension or deferral of the time for payment of real estate tax claims. In order to be eligible for the program applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:
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All owners and occupants of the property must be at least sixty-five (65) years of age;
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The property must be residential and owner-occupied;
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The property must be adequately insured if seeking deferral; and
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The owner(s)’ household income must not exceed the maximum qualifying household income under the Senior Citizens Rebate Assistance Act, which is currently $35,000.00.
Applicants who meet the above criteria may obtain an application form from the Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau or can be found in a link below. A fully executed application should be submitted to the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging located at 123 Lackawanna County Tax Claim Bureau 123 Wyoming Ave., Suite 267 Scranton, PA 18503 Ph: (570) 963-6734 Fax: (570) 496-1733 Website: www.lackawannacounty.org 2 (Rev. 09-11-19) Wyoming Avenue, Floor 4, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18503 along with the following documentation:
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A copy of the deed for the property;
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A copy of the property owner(s)’ most current tax return, social security benefits verification letter, pension income statement and/or other proof of income;
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A copy of any non-owner occupant(s)’ most current tax return, social security benefit verification letter, pension income statement and/or other proof of income;
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A signed copy of the elderly extension or deferral program terms and conditions;
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A copy of the property owner(s)’ last will and testament, if any;
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A copy of the property owner(s)’ power of attorney, if any;
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Copies of current photo identification, e.g., driver’s license, state identification card, Real ID, passport, etc., for everyone who resides at the property; and
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A certificate of homeowners’ insurance or a current homeowners’ insurance declaration page (required if applicant is interested in a recommendation for deferment);
If the Lackawanna County Area Agency on Aging determines that the application is fully complete and that the age and financial hardship requirements of the program have been met, the application will be forwarded by the Area Agency on Aging to NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
Older Adult Advocacy Center at Telespond
The mission of the Older Adult Advocacy Center (OOAC) at Telespond is to provide a comprehensive, person-centered approach to support older adults who are displaced victims of abuse or neglect. The OOAC will offer emergency respite, short-term transitional living spaces, and access to medical, mental health and legal services. The center empowers older adults to maintain their dignity, independence, and safety.
The OAAC includes four one-bedroom units, a medical station, handicap bathing facilities, a lounge, a small kitchenette, and a staff office. With 24/7 key-card access to the building, guests are encouraged to remain independent and stay in their own routine. They manage their own needs and can come and go as they like, order take-out, welcome visitors, and keep their car (if they have one) in the parking lot. The rooms are color-coded and easily recognizable, with matching walls, linens, and wall art to echo a sense of consistency and security. The doorless staff office reflects a purposeful design choice to promote interaction and connection.
Through collaboration with a multitude of community partners serving older adults, including the local Area Agencies on Aging, the Lackawanna County Elder Justice Multidisciplinary Team (EJMDT), and local law enforcement, the OAAC is emerging as the physical hub for a collaborative, cross-organizational approach.
Local Shelter Information
Visit the Lackawanna Housing Coalition for information on shelters, transitional housing, rental assistance, rental housing, permanent supportive housing, utility assistance, and more.