Homeless Assistance in Pennsylvania
Locate emergency shelters, federal programs, state assistance, financial aid, healthcare, and employment support available to Pennsylvania residents.
Emergency Housing & Shelter
Immediate options for Pennsylvania residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.
Emergency Shelters
Find available shelter beds tonight across Pennsylvania. Contact us for help locating the nearest open shelter and available resources in your area.
Get StartedFamily & Youth Shelters
Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Pennsylvania. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.
Get StartedVeterans Emergency Housing
Dedicated emergency housing for Pennsylvania veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.
Get StartedFederal Assistance Programs
Federal programs available to eligible Pennsylvania residents regardless of city or county.
HUD Continuum of Care
Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Pennsylvania. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.
Get StartedEmergency Solutions Grants
Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Pennsylvania receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.
Get StartedHousing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Pennsylvania Public Housing Authority.
Get StartedHUD-VASH (Veterans)
Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Pennsylvania locations.
Get StartedPATH Program (Mental Health)
Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Pennsylvania community mental health centers statewide.
Get StartedSNAP Food Assistance
Helps low-income Pennsylvania residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.
Get StartedPennsylvania State Programs
Programs funded or operated specifically by Pennsylvania for residents experiencing homelessness.
PA Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)
State program providing emergency shelter, case management, rental assistance, and housing support to homeless Pennsylvanians through county-based providers.
Get StartedTANF – Pennsylvania (TANF Cash)
Cash assistance and employment services for eligible Pennsylvania families with dependent children. Apply at compass.state.pa.us or any county assistance office.
Get StartedPennsylvania Medicaid (MA)
Medical Assistance provides health coverage for eligible low-income Pennsylvanians. Apply at COMPASS or any County Assistance Office (CAO) statewide.
Get StartedPennsylvania Housing Programs
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Pennsylvania residents.
Get StartedPennsylvania Workforce & Employment
Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Pennsylvania’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.
Get StartedLIHEAP Energy Assistance
Helps low-income Pennsylvania households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Contact us to find your nearest provider.
Get StartedLocal Resources by City
Major Pennsylvania cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.
Philadelphia
Project HOME — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Philadelphia area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedPittsburgh
Operation Safety Net — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Pittsburgh area.
Get StartedAllentown
CACLV — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Allentown area residents experiencing homelessness.
Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Pennsylvania.
- HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
- SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
- Pennsylvania Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Pennsylvania veterans
Assistance by State
Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.
