Yes — churches in Lancaster, PA help pay rent, and you don’t have to be a member or religious to qualify. Lancaster has one of the most active and generous faith-based assistance networks in Pennsylvania, with deep roots in the Mennonite, Amish, and broader Christian community that has shaped this region for centuries. Churches, nonprofits, and interfaith coalitions here provide emergency rental assistance every day for Lancaster City and Lancaster County residents.
This guide lists every major church and faith-based organization in Lancaster that helps pay rent in 2026 — with phone numbers, addresses, and exactly what each one provides.
Churches That Help Pay Rent in Lancaster PA — Quick Answer
The fastest way to get church rent help in Lancaster is to call 211 (free, 24/7) or contact one of these organizations directly:
- Salvation Army — Lancaster PA: 717-394-7166
- Catholic Charities — Diocese of Harrisburg (Lancaster): 717-299-3659
- St. Vincent de Paul — Lancaster PA: 717-393-5703
- Water Street Mission — Lancaster: 717-393-7709
- Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAPLAN): 717-299-7773
- Church World Service — Lancaster: 717-859-2911
- Lancaster County DSS: 717-299-8011
- Pennsylvania 211: Dial 211
Most programs can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. Have your lease, a past-due notice, and your ID ready when you call.
Churches and Faith-Based Organizations That Help Pay Rent in Lancaster PA
1. Salvation Army — Lancaster PA
The Salvation Army in Lancaster provides direct emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities for Lancaster City and County residents. Their caseworkers process urgent requests quickly and coordinate with other Lancaster organizations to help cover larger amounts when needed.
Address: 131 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-394-7166 Website: salvationarmypa.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (call ahead to confirm intake hours) What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, food assistance, clothing, disaster relief, and referrals to other Lancaster programs Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all Lancaster County residents in need. Typical assistance: $200–$500 for emergency rent, paid directly to your landlord
2. Catholic Charities — Diocese of Harrisburg (Lancaster Office)
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg serves Lancaster City and County through their local office, providing emergency financial assistance including rent and utility payments to anyone regardless of faith. Their social workers connect residents with both private and government rental assistance programs and can coordinate larger amounts through case management.
Address: 630 Centerville Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 Phone: 717-299-3659 Website: cchbg.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility payments, eviction prevention, case management, immigration legal services, food assistance, and referrals to Pennsylvania programs including TANF Do you need to be Catholic? No. Catholic Charities serves everyone regardless of religion. Typical assistance: $300–$1,000+ depending on need and available funding
3. St. Vincent de Paul Society — Lancaster PA
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates conferences through local Catholic parishes across Lancaster City and County, providing direct financial assistance for rent, utilities, food, and other emergency needs. SVdP volunteers respond personally to housing crises in the Lancaster community.
Phone: 717-393-5703 Website: svdpusa.org (search Lancaster PA conferences) What they provide: Direct landlord payment for overdue rent, utility assistance, food, furniture, and clothing Do you need to be Catholic? No. SVdP helps anyone in need regardless of faith. Typical assistance: $100–$400 paid directly to your landlord or utility company
4. Water Street Mission — Lancaster
Water Street Mission is one of Lancaster’s most beloved and comprehensive faith-based social service organizations, serving the Lancaster community since 1905. More than just a shelter, Water Street Mission provides emergency housing, meals, case management, addiction recovery, job training, and extensive connections to emergency rent assistance programs throughout Lancaster County. Their century-long history in Lancaster has made them one of the most trusted resources in the city.
Address: 210 S Prince St, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-393-7709 Website: waterstreetmission.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; shelter and services available daily What they provide: Emergency shelter, meals, case management, addiction recovery, job training, emergency rent assistance connections, and housing navigation for Lancaster residents Do you need to be religious? No. Water Street Mission serves all Lancaster residents regardless of faith or background.
5. Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County (CAPLAN)
CAPLAN is Lancaster County’s federally designated Community Action Agency, providing emergency financial assistance, utility help, and case management for low-income Lancaster County residents. CAPLAN works closely with Lancaster-area churches and nonprofits to coordinate emergency rent assistance and administers several state and federal housing programs.
Address: 630 Janet Ave, Lancaster, PA 17601 Phone: 717-299-7773 Website: caplanc.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, LIHEAP energy assistance, weatherization, case management, employment support, and referrals to Lancaster County resources Do you need to be a member? No. Open to all low-income Lancaster County residents. Typical assistance: Varies based on available CSBG and federal funding
6. Church World Service — Lancaster
Church World Service (CWS) Lancaster is a national faith-based organization with a strong local presence in Lancaster, particularly serving Lancaster’s large and growing refugee and immigrant communities. CWS Lancaster provides emergency financial assistance including rent help, case management, and immigration services for Lancaster residents regardless of background.
Address: 308 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: 717-859-2911 Website: cwslancaster.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, refugee resettlement, immigration legal services, English language programs, case management, and connections to Lancaster County resources Do you need to be a member? No. CWS Lancaster serves everyone regardless of faith, background, or immigration status.
7. Tabor Community Services — Lancaster
Tabor Community Services is a Lancaster-based faith-rooted housing organization providing emergency rental assistance, eviction prevention, housing counseling, and case management for Lancaster County residents. Tabor is Lancaster County’s most specialized organization for housing crisis prevention and has deep connections to the Lancaster faith community.
Address: 308 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: 717-397-5182 Website: taborcs.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, eviction prevention counseling, housing stability case management, rapid re-housing, and referrals to Lancaster County emergency programs Do you need to be a member? No. Tabor serves all Lancaster County residents in need. Typical assistance: Varies — case managers specialize in combining multiple funding sources for maximum help
8. Lighthouse Ministries — Lancaster
Lighthouse Ministries is an active Lancaster faith-based organization serving the city’s most vulnerable residents with emergency financial assistance, food, clothing, and case management. They work closely with Lancaster City churches to pool resources and respond to housing emergencies.
Address: 407 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: 717-299-4555 Website: lighthouseministries.com Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; walk-ins welcome What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, food pantry, clothing closet, hygiene supplies, case management, and referrals to Lancaster social services Do you need to be religious? No. Serves all Lancaster City and County residents regardless of faith.
9. First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster — Community Outreach
First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster is one of the city’s most historic congregations with a long tradition of community service. Their outreach ministry and benevolence fund help Lancaster residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and other financial crises.
Address: 140 E Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: 717-394-4571 Website: firstpresbyterianlancaster.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from benevolence fund, food pantry referrals, and connections to Lancaster County community resources Do you need to be Presbyterian? No. Open to all Lancaster community members in need.
10. Calvary Church — Lancaster
Calvary Church is one of Lancaster County’s largest evangelical congregations with a substantial community care ministry. Their outreach teams help Lancaster area residents with emergency rent, utilities, food, and connections to county social services.
Address: 1051 Landis Valley Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601 Phone: 717-560-3990 Website: calvaryc.com Hours: Contact the church office for community care assistance hours What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from community care fund, food pantry, clothing closet, and referrals to Lancaster County resources Do you need to be a member? No. Community members of all backgrounds are welcome to request assistance.
11. Lancaster Mennonite Conference / Mennonite Central Committee
Lancaster County has one of the largest Mennonite communities in the world, and the Mennonite tradition of mutual aid and community care is deeply embedded in Lancaster’s faith culture. The Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Lancaster Mennonite Conference both support emergency assistance programs throughout the county.
MCC East Coast Office: Address: 21 S 12th St, Akron, PA 17501 (serves Lancaster area) Phone: 717-859-1151 Website: mcc.org What they provide: Emergency financial assistance, disaster relief, food, and connections to Mennonite mutual aid networks throughout Lancaster County
Note: Many individual Mennonite congregations in Lancaster County also maintain active benevolence funds. Contact your nearest Mennonite congregation directly or dial 211 for current availability.
12. Living Word Community Church — Red Lion / York / Lancaster Area
Living Word Community Church has campuses serving Lancaster County and operates an active community care ministry with a benevolence fund that helps Lancaster area residents with emergency rent, utilities, and other financial needs.
Phone: 717-246-4922 Website: livingwordcc.com What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance from community care fund and referrals to Lancaster County resources
13. Lutheran Social Services of South Central PA — Lancaster
Lutheran Social Services serves Lancaster County through their South Central Pennsylvania region, providing emergency financial assistance, housing stability programs, and case management for Lancaster residents.
Phone: 717-393-8822 Website: lsscpa.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, housing stability case management, refugee services, senior programs, and referrals to Lancaster County resources Do you need to be Lutheran? No. Lutheran Social Services helps anyone in need.
14. Jewish Federation of Lancaster / Jewish Family Service
Jewish Family Service and the Jewish Federation of Lancaster provide emergency financial assistance and case management for Lancaster County residents of all faiths.
Phone: 717-569-7352 Website: jewishlancs.org What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, case management, senior services, and community support for Lancaster County residents Do you need to be Jewish? No. Serves people of all faiths and backgrounds.
15. Eastern Mennonite Missions / Lancaster City Outreach
Eastern Mennonite Missions operates community outreach programs in Lancaster City connecting residents with emergency assistance including rent help, food, and other crisis resources through a network of Lancaster-area Mennonite and Anabaptist congregations.
Address: 53 W Lampeter Rd, Lancaster, PA 17602 Phone: 717-898-2251 Website: emm.org What they provide: Emergency assistance connections, community outreach, food resources, and referrals to Lancaster County faith-based and government programs
Government Programs for Rent Help in Lancaster PA
Church assistance works best when combined with Lancaster County and Pennsylvania state government programs. Apply for these at the same time:
Lancaster County Assistance Office — PA DHS
Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS) administers the TANF Cash Assistance program (PA’s TANF) and the Emergency Shelter Assistance program. Apply at the Lancaster County Assistance Office.
Address: 1210 Millersville Pike, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-299-8011 Website: dhs.pa.gov | compass.state.pa.us Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Lancaster County Emergency Rental Assistance (LERA)
Lancaster County has administered federal ERA funds for residents facing eviction through CAPLAN and county partners. Contact CAPLAN (717-299-7773) or dial 211 for current program availability.
Pennsylvania LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance)
LIHEAP helps with utility costs, freeing up income that can be used for rent. Apply through CAPLAN or Lancaster County Assistance Office.
Phone: 717-299-7773 (CAPLAN) Website: dhs.pa.gov/LIHEAP
Pennsylvania 211
Dialing 211 in Pennsylvania connects you with a local specialist who can identify every current rent assistance program available in Lancaster right now.
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7) Website: pa211.org
MidPenn Legal Services — Lancaster
If you’ve received an eviction notice in Lancaster, MidPenn Legal Services provides free legal representation to help you stay in your home while rental assistance is arranged.
Address: 24 S Queen St, Lancaster, PA 17603 Phone: 717-397-2422 Website: midpennlegal.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
How to Get Church Rent Help in Lancaster PA (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Call 211 right now. Pennsylvania 211 operators are available 24/7 and can tell you exactly which Lancaster organizations currently have active funds.
Step 2: Gather your documents. Have these ready:
- Photo ID (Pennsylvania driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of Lancaster City or County address (lease, utility bill, or official mail)
- Your lease or rental agreement
- Past-due rent notice or eviction notice (if you have one)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, TANF award letter, Social Security statement, or bank statements)
- Your landlord’s name, address, and phone number
Step 3: Call multiple organizations at once. Contact the Salvation Army, Water Street Mission, Catholic Charities, and Tabor Community Services simultaneously. Lancaster is a city with high demand for assistance — don’t wait for one to respond before calling the next.
Step 4: Use the stacking approach. If no single organization can cover your full rent balance, ask each for a partial payment. Getting $250 from the Salvation Army, $200 from SVdP, and $200 from Lighthouse Ministries can add up quickly.
Step 5: Apply for PA TANF and Lancaster County ERA at the same time. Contact Lancaster County Assistance Office at 717-299-8011 and CAPLAN at 717-299-7773. Government programs can cover larger amounts and longer periods than church funds alone.
Step 6: Call MidPenn Legal Services if you’ve received eviction papers. MidPenn Legal (717-397-2422) can sometimes delay your eviction hearing in Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas while rental assistance is being arranged.
What to Bring When You Visit a Lancaster Church for Rent Help
Most Lancaster churches and faith-based organizations will ask for:
- Photo ID — Pennsylvania driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- Proof of Lancaster City or County residency — lease, utility bill, or official mail with your address
- Lease or rental agreement — showing your monthly rent amount
- Past-due rent notice or eviction notice — if applicable (speeds up the process significantly)
- Proof of income — recent pay stubs, TANF award letter, Social Security statement, or bank statements
- Landlord contact information — name, address, and phone number (most organizations pay landlords directly)
Frequently Asked Questions
What churches help pay rent in Lancaster PA?
Several churches and faith-based organizations help pay rent in Lancaster, including the Salvation Army Lancaster (717-394-7166), Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg (717-299-3659), St. Vincent de Paul Lancaster (717-393-5703), Water Street Mission (717-393-7709), CAPLAN (717-299-7773), Tabor Community Services (717-397-5182), Church World Service Lancaster (717-859-2911), and Lighthouse Ministries (717-299-4555). Call 211 first to find out which programs currently have available funds.
How fast can a church help pay rent in Lancaster PA?
Many Lancaster organizations can process emergency rent requests within 24 to 72 hours. Water Street Mission (717-393-7709) and Lighthouse Ministries (717-299-4555) welcome walk-ins. Call multiple organizations simultaneously and have all your documents ready for the fastest results.
Do I have to be religious or a church member to get help in Lancaster?
No. Every organization in this guide helps Lancaster residents regardless of religious belief, church membership, or background. You will not be asked to attend a service, pray, or join any congregation.
What is Water Street Mission in Lancaster?
Water Street Mission (717-393-7709) at 210 S Prince St has been serving Lancaster since 1905 — making it one of the longest-running faith-based social service organizations in Pennsylvania. They provide far more than shelter: their case managers connect Lancaster residents with emergency rent assistance, and their comprehensive programs address food, clothing, addiction recovery, job training, and long-term housing stability. They are known throughout Lancaster for serving residents with dignity and without judgment.
What is Tabor Community Services in Lancaster?
Tabor Community Services (717-397-5182) at 308 E King St is Lancaster County’s most specialized housing stability organization. Unlike a general church benevolence fund, Tabor’s staff are housing experts who know every available funding source in Lancaster County. They are especially valuable when you need help navigating multiple programs or when your situation is complex — for example, if you owe several months of back rent or have received a formal eviction notice.
What role does Lancaster’s Mennonite community play in rent assistance?
Lancaster County has one of the largest Mennonite and Anabaptist populations in the world, and the tradition of mutual aid — helping neighbors in need — is central to Mennonite faith and practice. This means Lancaster has an unusually deep culture of community giving compared to most Pennsylvania cities. Many individual Mennonite congregations maintain active benevolence funds, and the Mennonite Central Committee (717-859-1151) coordinates broader emergency assistance across the county. This faith culture is one reason Lancaster’s overall community safety net is stronger than you might expect for a city its size.
Can Lancaster churches help if I’ve already received an eviction notice?
Yes — an eviction notice makes your case more urgent and can help you qualify faster. Bring the notice when you call or visit. Also contact MidPenn Legal Services immediately at 717-397-2422 — they provide free legal representation for eviction cases in Lancaster County Court of Common Pleas and may be able to delay your hearing while assistance is being arranged.
What is Pennsylvania’s TANF program?
Pennsylvania’s TANF program is called TANF Cash Assistance and is administered through the PA Department of Human Services. TANF Cash Assistance provides emergency cash for qualifying families with children that can be used for rent. Apply at the Lancaster County Assistance Office (717-299-8011) or online at compass.state.pa.us.
Is there rent help for immigrants in Lancaster?
Yes. Church World Service Lancaster (717-859-2911) specifically serves Lancaster’s large and growing refugee and immigrant community with emergency assistance regardless of immigration status. Catholic Charities (717-299-3659) also provides immigration legal services and emergency assistance. Lancaster City has one of the highest per-capita refugee populations of any small city in the United States — these organizations exist specifically to serve Lancaster’s diverse community.
Final Thoughts
If you need help paying rent in Lancaster today, start with 211 and then call Water Street Mission (717-393-7709), the Salvation Army (717-394-7166), and Tabor Community Services (717-397-5182). Lancaster’s faith community — shaped by generations of Mennonite, Catholic, Protestant, and interfaith giving — is one of the most generous in Pennsylvania. None of these organizations require you to be religious.
You’re already doing the right thing by looking for help. Now make the call.
← Back to: Churches That Help With Rent — National Guide
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: Lancaster County DHS, PA 211, Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg, Salvation Army Pennsylvania, MidPenn Legal Services
Funding availability changes frequently. Always verify current availability by calling the organization directly or dialing 211.