The fear of losing your home can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel worry. Whether due to a sudden job loss, medical emergency, or unforeseen personal setback, falling short on rent can be an incredibly distressing experience. However, with the help of an emergency rental assistance program in Pennsylvania, you can get back on your feet.

What is the Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Pennsylvania?

You may be surprised to learn there's not just one, but several rental assistance programs in Pennsylvania. Each serves different needs and populations, so it’s worth your while to explore them all. Like most states, Pennsylvania requires that applicants meet certain income criteria, though specific limits vary depending on the program in question.

Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Created at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, ERAP provides rent and utility assistance to Centre County residents. Here’s a look at some of their current eligibility criteria:

Must be a renter.
Must demonstrate that you are at risk of homelessness or housing instability.
Gross income must not exceed 80% of Centre County’s area median income (AMI).

Renters that provide eviction notices and/or utility terminations are more likely to be accepted than those that do not. ERAP also requires that applicants present the following documents:

Valid form of ID.
Annual or monthly household income documentation for everyone over 18.
Copy of current lease.
Eviction notice or court filing for an impending eviction.

To contest a grant decision, applicants can submit a written request for appeal.

Veteran’s Helping Hand

Veterans looking for an emergency rental assistance program in York, PA can apply for Veteran’s Helping Hand. Established by Sandy Walker, a Vietnam vet, this program provides immediate help with food, housing, and more to veterans in York County.

Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area

HELP Ministries, a branch of Christian Churches United, offers homelessness prevention and long-term housing solutions to Pennsylvanians. For immediate rental assistance, applicants are encouraged to call the HELP office at 717-238-2851 or email help@ccuhbg.org.

If you are currently homeless, HELP might also be able to assist you with finding an apartment. They can pay the security deposit and initial rental payments while helping you get on track with case management and budget counseling.

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

This program provides emergency assistance to those in the Allegheny Valley area. They help with rent and utility payments, food, clothing, and more. Eligibility is limited to applicants at or below the 200% income poverty guideline.

For example, an individual may not exceed $2,264 in gross monthly income, or $27,180 annually. The maximum limit for a family of four is $4,624 monthly and $55,499 per year. To learn more about this program, contact their assistance coordinator, Beth Kendra, at 724-226-0606.

Bucks County Opportunity Council

The Bucks County Opportunity Council is a valuable emergency rental assistance program in Pennsylvania. In 2022 and 2023, the Bucks County Opportunity Council prevented over 400 evictions and moved 117 families out of homelessness.

To qualify for aid through this program, applicants’ income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, which for Bucks County works out to be $60,000 for a household of four.

If you’re a single mother facing homelessness, you may also qualify for their Pathways to Housing programs, which provide short-term housing assistance. To learn more about these programs, you can call 1-800-810-4434, or click here.

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers nationwide rent and utility assistance. The Lock Haven Corps Center offers housing aid, youth empowerment programs, and more. This can be a great option for those seeking a well-rounded program that does more than just keep people in homes.

Section 8

The Section 8 emergency rental assistance program in Pennsylvania is designed to help low-income households while promoting economic self-sufficiency. With rising housing costs in the state, many families and individuals are struggling to afford rent, and that’s where this program steps in.

Income limits vary based on household size and other criteria, but are typically 50% of the AMI. Applicants must also be US citizens or legal residents and lack a criminal history involving drugs or violent offenses.

You can expect this program to pay approximately the difference between 30% of your income and the fair market rent for your area, or the amount that landlords can reasonably charge for rent.

Why Look For an Emergency Rental Assistance Program in Pennsylvania?

When struggling to pay rent, you may feel that all hope is lost, but that is far from the case. While the application process can be challenging, seeking help is the best way to keep a roof over your head while you regain your financial composure. There’s no shame in receiving assistance, and it can put you on track to a better future.

For help finding an emergency rental assistance program in Pennsylvania, see our rental assistance overview page.