Harrisburg, PA (Oct. 18, 2011) – Lt. Governor Jim Cawley today urged landlords and owners of vacant properties to make housing available to residents and families displaced by last month's flooding, particularly in northeastern Pennsylvania.

"If you own apartments, a vacation home or a hunting cabin, especially in the area east of Route 15 and north of Interstate 80, please consider making that housing available for Pennsylvanians in need," said Cawley.

Landlords can easily make vacant properties available by posting information online at www.PAHousingSearch.com, which is a Web-based housing locator tool. There is no cost to list a unit. They can also call toll-free 1-877-428-8844, weekdays from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Mobile home communities with homes or lot spaces available can also provide that information through the website or toll free number.

In the weeks since Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, searches on the PA Housing Search website have increased by 40 percent and more than 800 properties have been added.  

"We've made good progress helping flood-affected families. But there are still people in need, particularly in the northeastern corner of the state. Helping our neighbors find a place to live is an important step in restoring a sense of normalcy to their lives," said Cawley.

PAHousingSearch.com was launched in April and is funded by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Public Welfare. Visit online at www.PAHousingSearch.com.