Lamont McClure and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) were presented with a 2021 Governor’s Award today for Health and Wellness Initiatives for the County’s Community Mediation Eviction Diversion (CMED) program. The CMED program was developed by DCED and the Department of Human Services (DHS). It offers experienced mediators, emergency financial assistance and rapid rehousing to prevent homelessness.

Northampton County and its partners have used the CMED program to satisfy overdue rent payments, enabling over 400 households to remain in their homes while alleviating the financial burden on landlords. This has mitigated evictions and reduced the burden on the local court system. Housing services are free to low-and-moderate income households and owners of rental units housing low-and-moderate income tenants. Lamont and the DCED held a virtual town hall for local landlords and property owners on May 13^th about how to utilize the program.

“I am honored to accept this reward on the behalf of the County of Northampton,” says Lamont McClure. “This has been a true community effort and we thank our partners at New Bethany Ministries, the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, ProJeCt of Easton, Third Street Alliance, North Penn Legal Services and the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley for all of their help.”

For residents who live in Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hellertown and Lower Saucon Township, contact:

·        New Bethany Ministries at 610-691-5602 x217.

For residents in Easton, Glendon, West Easton, Wilson and Williams Township contact either:

·        Easton Area Neighborhood Center at 610-253-4253

Residents of Easton can also contact:

·        ProJeCt of Easton at 610-258-1100 x13

For residents of all other municipalities, contact:

·        Third Street Alliance at 610-438-1763

For residents who are fourteen days or less away from losing their residence and have either a Notice to Quit or a Lockout Order Notice:

·        Call 211 to be connected to the Northampton County Tenant Eviction Assistance program seeking rental assistance