For Harrisburg and Dauphin County residents facing eviction or falling behind on rent, the faith-based assistance network is unusually well-organized — anchored by a single coordinating hub that most other programs in the region route through.
HELP Ministries, operated by Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area, is the primary entry point for rental assistance in Dauphin County. Most other programs in the Harrisburg area refer applicants to HELP or coordinate with them directly. Understanding how HELP works — and when to call — is the most important thing to know before reaching out to any other organization in this guide.
Dial 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org for the most current program availability in your zip code. PA 211 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone or text (text 898-211).
How Emergency Rent Assistance Works in Harrisburg
- HELP Ministries is the hub — most faith-based programs in the area coordinate through or refer to HELP; start here
- Imminent eviction (within 14 days)? — call HELP directly at (717) 238-2851; they can expedite intake for urgent situations
- Most assistance coordinated by phone or email — you do not need to visit in person unless you have no working phone, need to make a walk-in appointment, or have a prior scheduled appointment
- Payments go directly to landlords — organizations pay your landlord, not you
- Documentation required — photo ID, lease, past-due or eviction notice, proof of income
1. HELP Ministries — Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area
The primary faith-based rental assistance hub for Dauphin County and Harrisburg.
HELP Ministries — run by Christian Churches United (CCU) of the Tri-County Area — functions as a social service hub providing a full continuum of housing crisis services for Dauphin County residents. It is the first point of contact for rental assistance, emergency shelter intake, and rapid rehousing in the Harrisburg area.
What HELP Ministries provides:
- Rental assistance (back rent to prevent eviction)
- Security deposit assistance to obtain a new apartment
- Rapid Rehousing for households already homeless
- Emergency shelter intake for YWCA of Greater Harrisburg and Interfaith Family Shelter
- Case management and budget counseling
- One-time heating fuel assistance during winter
- Medication assistance (emergency, one-time basis)
- Transportation assistance
- Food referrals and information
Rooming house assistance: For back rent or security deposits for rooming house rentals, call the HELP office to make the request — you will be called back in order of requests received. No appointment is required for rooming house assistance.
If facing eviction within 14 days: Call immediately at (717) 238-2851. The Dauphin County official emergency assistance page specifically directs households facing imminent eviction to HELP’s office for faster processing.
Address: 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 Phone: (717) 238-2851 Fax: (717) 238-1916 Email: [email protected] Website: ccuhbg.org/what-we-do/help-ministries.html
How to contact: Most assistance is coordinated by phone or email. Visit in person only if you have no working phone, need to make a walk-in rental assistance appointment, or have a prior scheduled appointment.
For rental assistance walk-in appointments: Visit the HELP office at 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104. No prior phone call required for walk-in appointment scheduling.
HELP also serves as the intake point for Harrisburg’s emergency shelter system — if you or someone you know is at risk of sleeping outside, mentioning this when you call connects you directly to shelter availability at the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Emergency Shelter and Interfaith Family Shelter on a first-come, first-served basis. For seniors facing housing instability, our senior apartments for $300 a month guide explains income-based housing programs available in Pennsylvania.
2. Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg
Faith-based assistance for people of all faiths — housing, food, healthcare referrals.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg helps people of all faiths with a range of services including affordable housing assistance, mental and physical healthcare referrals, and food assistance.
Phone: (717) 657-4804 Services: Housing assistance, rental help, food assistance, ministry resources
Call ahead to confirm current availability of rental assistance funds and to schedule an intake appointment. Catholic Charities serves regardless of religious affiliation.
3. Salvation Army — Harrisburg
Emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities in the Harrisburg area.
The Salvation Army Harrisburg provides emergency financial assistance for qualifying residents including help with rent and utility bills. The Dauphin County emergency assistance page specifically lists the Salvation Army for utility assistance through the UGI-CAP program — call to ask about both rent and utility help in the same call.
Phone: (717) 233-6755 Website: salvationarmy.org
For a full overview of what to expect when applying for Salvation Army assistance, see our Salvation Army rental assistance guide.
4. Market Square Presbyterian Church
Financial assistance for rent, utilities, and household expenses for low-income Harrisburg families.
Market Square Presbyterian Church provides financial assistance to support low-income families with rent, utility bills, and other household expenses as part of its community outreach mission.
Location: Harrisburg, PA (downtown) Contact: Call the church office directly to inquire about current availability and intake procedures
5. Messiah Lutheran Church
Emergency financial assistance including help with rent and utilities.
Messiah Lutheran Church offers financial assistance programs for people in need, available for emergency purposes including paying rent, utility bills, and medical expenses.
Contact: Call the church office to ask about current availability and eligibility requirements
6. St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church
Funding for rental assistance and food for homeless and at-risk families in Harrisburg.
St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church works with local charities to provide funding for rental assistance, food, and other emergency needs for homeless and at-risk families in the Harrisburg area.
Contact: Call the parish office to connect with their outreach program or SVdP conference
7. Dauphin County Emergency Rental Assistance Program
Government-administered emergency rental assistance for Dauphin County residents.
Dauphin County administers emergency rental and utility assistance programs through its Human Services division. The county’s official emergency assistance page directs residents to HELP Ministries for imminent eviction situations and lists additional state and federal resources.
Dauphin County Human Services: Phone: (717) 780-6300 Website: dauphincounty.gov/government/human-services/emergency-rent-utility-assistance-instructions-and-information
Pennsylvania COMPASS (for SNAP, medical assistance, cash benefits, and other state programs): compass.state.pa.us or call 1-800-692-7462. If your household is not yet enrolled in SNAP, our Pennsylvania SNAP eligibility guide covers income limits and how to apply online through COMPASS.
8. Pennsylvania Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
State-level rental and utility assistance — past-due and upcoming rent covered.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services administers ERAP funding that can be used to pay past-due or upcoming rent and utilities, and can assist with rehousing costs for eligible applicants who need to find a new rental.
Apply: Online at dhs.pa.gov or call the DHS Helpline at 1-800-692-7462 Eligibility: Low-income households; income and hardship documentation required
What to Bring to Any Rent Assistance Appointment in Harrisburg
- Photo ID for all adults in the household
- Social Security cards for all household members (children included for family applications)
- Current lease or rental agreement
- Eviction notice, 3-day notice, or past-due rent statement from your landlord
- Proof of income for all household members (pay stubs, benefit award letters, unemployment documentation)
- Documentation of financial hardship (termination letter, medical bills, unexpected expense)
- Utility bills if requesting combined rent and utility help
- Letters from any referring agency (if applicable)
- Landlord’s full name, mailing address, and phone number
Additional Resources for Rent Help in Harrisburg
PA 211: Dial 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org — 24/7 statewide helpline; text 898-211. Connects you to current programs in your zip code across Pennsylvania.
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): For heating bill help — dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx or call 1-800-692-7462.
PA Public Utility Commission: For utility shutoff prevention — 1-800-692-7380 or puc.pa.gov.
MidPenn Legal Services: Free legal help for Harrisburg-area tenants facing eviction. Call (717) 234-6805 or visit midpennlegal.org.
Section 8 in Pennsylvania: For long-term housing stability through the Housing Choice Voucher program, see our Section 8 housing vouchers guide for how to apply through your local Housing Authority.
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help with rent in Harrisburg, PA?
The primary faith-based rental assistance resource in Harrisburg is HELP Ministries, operated by Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area — call (717) 238-2851 or email [email protected]. Other active faith-based organizations include Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg (717-657-4804), the Salvation Army Harrisburg (717-233-6755), Market Square Presbyterian Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, and St. Catherine Laboure Catholic Church.
How do I get emergency rent help in Harrisburg fast?
If you are facing eviction within 14 days, call HELP Ministries immediately at (717) 238-2851 — the Dauphin County government specifically routes imminent-eviction cases to HELP for expedited assistance. Also dial 2-1-1 to confirm other currently funded programs in your zip code. Apply to HELP, Catholic Charities, and the Salvation Army simultaneously for the best chance of timely assistance.
What is HELP Ministries in Harrisburg?
HELP Ministries — operated by Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area — is the primary faith-based social services hub in Dauphin County, providing rental assistance, rapid rehousing, security deposits, emergency shelter intake, case management, medication help, fuel assistance, and food referrals. It functions as the coordinating hub that most other Harrisburg-area programs route through for housing crises. Contact: (717) 238-2851 or [email protected].
Do I need to visit HELP Ministries in person?
No — most HELP Ministries assistance is coordinated by phone or email. Visit in person only if you have no working phone, need to schedule a walk-in rental assistance appointment, or have a prior scheduled appointment. For rooming house rent or deposit help, call (717) 238-2851 to be added to the callback list — no appointment needed.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with any church, organization, or government program listed. Program availability, funding, eligibility requirements, and contact information change frequently. HELP Ministries phone and address confirmed from official ccuhbg.org and Dauphin County government sources. Always call before visiting. Dial 2-1-1 for the most current information on available programs in your zip code.