If you are behind on rent in York and facing eviction, help is available right now. Churches, faith-based nonprofits, and community organizations across York County provide emergency rental assistance — paying directly to your landlord to stop the eviction process before it reaches court.
York County’s network of faith-based and community organizations is one of the most comprehensive in Central Pennsylvania. New Hope Ministries alone serves over 25,000 individuals from 9,400 families each year — making it the primary non-governmental social service agency for a population of over 488,000 across Adams, Cumberland, and York Counties. If you are in crisis today, you have real options.
You do not need to be religious to receive help from any organization on this list. You do not need to be a church member. You need a lease, a notice, and a phone call.
York PA Rent Help — Quick Answer
Call 211 (free, 24/7) for same-day referrals. Or contact these organizations directly:
| Organization | Phone | What They Cover |
|---|---|---|
| New Hope Ministries — York Center | (717) 854-7438 | Rent, mortgage, utilities, hotel stays, deposits |
| New Hope Ministries — Dover Center | (717) 292-3441 | Rent, utilities, food, transportation |
| LifePath Christian Ministries | (717) 845-7662 | Shelter, transitional housing, rent grants |
| Community Progress Council (CPC) | (717) 846-4600 | Rent, utilities — ERAP, 18 months possible |
| Catholic Charities — York | (717) 233-7978 | Rent referrals, food, case management |
| Salvation Army York Corps | (717) 848-2364 | Rent, utilities, food, deposits |
| 211 Pennsylvania | Dial 211 | Live referrals to all programs |
Churches and Faith-Based Organizations That Help With Rent in York
1. New Hope Ministries — York County
New Hope Ministries is the single most comprehensive faith-based emergency assistance organization in York County — and the first call for anyone in housing crisis. Founded in 1982, New Hope serves over 25,000 individuals from 9,400 families each year, making it the primary non-governmental social service agency for the region. They operate across Adams, Cumberland, and York Counties from multiple centers and mobile services.
York Center: Address: Contact through website or call for current York center location Phone: (717) 854-7438 Website: nhm-pa.org/housing-assistance Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Dover Center: Address: 62 N. Main St., Dover, PA 17315 Phone: (717) 292-3441 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Dillsburg Center (Northern York / Cumberland County): Address: 99 W. Church St., Dillsburg, PA 17019 Phone: (717) 432-3053 Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
What they provide: Housing assistance including rent and mortgage payments, emergency hotel vouchers for households with nowhere else to stay, security deposit assistance, apartment finder services, household furnishings, and housing case management. New Hope is also a Coordinated Entry intake site for the York County Homeless Continuum of Care — meaning one call connects you to the full HUD-funded housing network, not just their own programs.
Beyond housing: utility and heating assistance (electric, water, sewer, gas, heating fuel), emergency food assistance, transportation programs including vehicle repair, loaner vehicles, and car purchase assistance, employment programs, and youth and scholarship programs.
New Hope provides assistance regardless of age, race, gender, or religious affiliation.
Membership requirement: None. Typical assistance: Emergency rent and mortgage payment directly to landlord. Security deposit and move-in cost assistance for households entering stable housing. Hotel vouchers for households with no safe place to stay. Amount based on need and available funding.
2. LifePath Christian Ministries (Formerly York Rescue Mission)
LifePath Christian Ministries has served York County since 1962 — and in 2023 alone provided services to 3,000 unique individuals and served 95,000 meals. LifePath is York County’s rescue mission, providing shelter, meals, hygiene services, and connections to support resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of eviction.
Address: 367 West Market Street, York, PA 17401 Phone: (717) 845-7662 Website: lifepathyork.org Admin Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM Code Blue Emergency Shelter Line: (717) 472-8911
What they provide: Emergency shelter (men’s and women’s programs), transitional housing, rental grants and emergency financial assistance for individuals in financial crisis, meals (95,000+ per year), case management, access to support services, and connections to community resources.
LifePath is also the coordinating agency for Code Blue Winter Weather Emergency Services in the York area. During extreme cold, call (717) 472-8911 to be screened and registered for emergency shelter and services — available to anyone in the community.
Deposits: The Salvation Army York Corps (717-848-2364) may assist with deposits for families in crisis. LifePath can connect you with the appropriate deposit assistance track.
Membership requirement: None.
3. York County Community Progress Council (CPC)
The York County Community Progress Council is the federally designated Community Action Agency for York County — providing a wide range of anti-poverty services including one of the most significant emergency rental assistance programs in the region. CPC’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) can cover up to 18 months of rent assistance including past-due rent.
Address: 160 South George Street, York, PA 17401 Phone: (717) 846-4600 Website: yorkcpc.net Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
What they provide: Emergency rental assistance (up to 18 months of rent, including arrears) through the ERAP program. Utility and heating assistance. Low-income housing referrals. Budget counseling and lease review. Connections to employment, food, childcare, and other programs.
To apply for ERAP: Create an account and complete an online application through CPC’s website at yorkcpc.net. If you have difficulty with the online application, call the ERAP hotline at (717) 846-4600 Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. In-person support is available at the South George Street office.
Income eligibility: York County ERAP income limits are set at or below 80% of the York County Area Median Income. Priority is given to households at or below 50% AMI or with long-term unemployment.
Membership requirement: None. Typical assistance: Up to 18 months of rent and utility assistance, including past-due balances. This is the largest potential coverage amount of any program in York County.
4. Catholic Charities — Diocese of Harrisburg (York Office)
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg operates programs across a 15-county area of central Pennsylvania, including York County. Their York office provides emergency financial assistance referrals, food assistance, case management, and connections to housing programs.
York County Contact: (717) 233-7978 (Diocesan main line — ask for York County services) Website: cchbg.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
HELP Ministries (Harrisburg-based, serves York County): HELP Ministries is a branch of Christian Churches United — the first point of contact for rental assistance and emergency shelter intake in the Tri-County area including York County. Phone: (717) 238-2851 | Email: [email protected] Rental Assistance Program (RAP): appointment-based — call to schedule. Back rent and security deposit/move-in assistance are the primary focus. Walk-in appointments also available Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM — arrive 15 minutes early.
What they provide: Emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities. Referrals to emergency shelter (YWCA Greater Harrisburg, Interfaith Family Shelter). One-time prescription medication assistance. Food pantry information. Heating fuel assistance (one-time, after exhausting other energy programs). Bus passes and transportation assistance for specific circumstances (stranded travelers, job start support).
Note on rooming houses: For back rent or security deposit assistance for a rooming house rental, call HELP Ministries and you will be called back in order of requests received — no appointment necessary.
Membership requirement: None.
5. Salvation Army York Corps
The Salvation Army York Corps provides emergency rental and utility assistance to qualifying York County residents alongside food, clothing, and deposit assistance for families in crisis.
Address: 170 West King Street, York, PA 17401 Phone: (717) 848-2364 Website: salvationarmyusa.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (appointment required for financial assistance)
What they provide: Emergency rent and utility assistance, food assistance, clothing, security deposit help for families in crisis, and case management. The Salvation Army York Corps also provides toy assistance during the holiday season and maintains connections to the broader York County social services network.
Veterans: York County veterans seeking emergency housing assistance should additionally contact Veterans Helping Hand — a York County-specific veteran assistance program established by a Vietnam veteran — which provides immediate help with food, housing, and more for York County veterans. Contact through 211 Pennsylvania.
Membership requirement: None. Typical assistance: Emergency rent and utility payment. Deposit assistance for qualifying families. Direct payment to landlord.
6. Grace Fellowship Church
Grace Fellowship Church provides financial assistance specifically for low-income families in York facing eviction — including temporary rental assistance for a limited period and utility support. Grace Fellowship collaborates with local charities to extend the reach of their assistance beyond what they can fund directly.
Phone: Contact through (717) area code church office — call 211 for direct referral Website: gracepa.org (verify current contact before visiting) Hours: Call during office hours for current availability and appointment scheduling
What they provide: Temporary rental assistance to prevent eviction for low-income York families. Utility support. Referrals to partnering local charities for extended aid and housing programs.
Membership requirement: None.
7. York First Church of the Brethren
York First Church of the Brethren provides emergency financial aid and referrals to long-term housing solutions for families in York County experiencing housing instability.
Phone: (717) 854-4971 Website: yorkfirstcob.org Hours: Call during office hours for current assistance availability
What they provide: Emergency financial assistance and referrals to long-term housing solutions for York families facing eviction or housing crisis. Church of the Brethren congregations are historically connected to community service — this congregation maintains an active outreach presence in York County.
Membership requirement: None.
8. Bell Socialization Services
Bell Socialization Services is a social empowerment organization in York providing referrals to rent assistance, emergency shelter, and transitional housing. Bell goes beyond immediate crisis response — offering low-income housing grants, budgeting assistance, lease review, and other tools for housing stability.
Address: 160 South George Street, York, PA 17401 Phone: (717) 848-5767 Website: bellservices.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
What they provide: Referrals to rent assistance programs and housing resources. Low-income housing grants. Budgeting and financial counseling. Lease review and housing advocacy. Transitional housing connections. Bell’s co-location at 160 South George Street (shared with CPC) makes it an efficient one-stop for housing needs in downtown York.
Membership requirement: None.
9. Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene
Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene provides short-term rental assistance for households in temporary crisis and collaborates with other community service organizations to address longer-term housing needs.
Phone: (717) 764-1506 Website: stillmeadow.org Hours: Call during office hours for current availability
What they provide: Short-term rental assistance for crisis situations. Help with moving costs and deposits in some circumstances. Collaboration with community service organizations for extended housing support.
Membership requirement: None.
10. York County Food Bank / York Rescue Network
The York County Food Bank connects households with food resources throughout York County — and for households spending a significant share of their budget on food, accessing free food directly frees up money for rent. The Food Bank also maintains connections to the broader York County social services network and can direct households to appropriate rent assistance programs.
Address: 840 Vogelsong Road, York, PA 17404 Phone: (717) 843-1702 Website: yorkfoodbank.org Hours: Call or visit the website for current distribution site hours nearest you
What they provide: Free food through a network of food pantries and distribution sites across York County. Emergency food boxes. SNAP enrollment assistance.
Membership requirement: None.
Government Programs for Rent Help in York County
York County ERAP — Community Progress Council
As noted above, CPC administers York County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program — the most significant government-funded rent program available to York County residents.
Phone: (717) 846-4600 Website: yorkcpc.net Coverage: Up to 18 months of rent and utility assistance including arrears
Pennsylvania County Assistance Office (CAO) — Emergency Shelter Grant
If you are experiencing a housing crisis, you may call your local County Assistance Office to apply for an Emergency Shelter Grant. An interview is required — it can be completed by phone, so you do not need to appear in person.
York County CAO: (717) 771-1000 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
Pennsylvania TANF — Cash Assistance
Pennsylvania’s TANF program provides financial assistance to qualifying families with children.
Apply: compass.state.pa.us Phone: (800) 692-7462
MidPenn Legal Services — Eviction Defense
MidPenn Legal Services provides free legal representation to low-income tenants facing eviction in York County.
Phone: (717) 848-8321 Website: midpennlegal.org Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
211 Pennsylvania
Phone: Dial 211 (free, 24/7) Website: pa211.org
Step-by-Step: How to Get Rent Help in York PA
Step 1: Call New Hope Ministries immediately. New Hope is York County’s most comprehensive non-governmental social service agency — covering rent, utilities, deposits, hotel vouchers, food, and transportation from multiple county locations. Call (717) 292-3441 (Dover) or (717) 854-7438 (York) and begin the intake process today.
Step 2: Call CPC and apply for ERAP at the same time. The York County ERAP through CPC can cover up to 18 months of rent — the largest potential assistance of any program in the county. Call (717) 846-4600 and apply online at yorkcpc.net immediately. Government processing takes time — start now while pursuing faith-based assistance simultaneously.
Step 3: Call the Salvation Army York Corps. The Salvation Army at (717) 848-2364 handles emergency rent, utilities, and deposit assistance independently from New Hope and CPC. Calling all three on the same day gives you access to three separate funding pools.
Step 4: Call 211 Pennsylvania. 211 has real-time data on which programs currently have open funding in York County. Tell the operator your address, that you are facing eviction, and ask what is available right now.
Step 5: If eviction is in court, call MidPenn Legal Services immediately. Free legal representation for low-income York County tenants. MidPenn can request continuances and negotiate with landlords — buying time for assistance payments to be processed. Call (717) 848-8321.
Step 6: Contact your landlord. Inform your landlord you have applied for third-party rental assistance through New Hope Ministries or CPC — both widely recognized in York County. Ask for 2–3 weeks while assistance is processed. Most landlords prefer a guaranteed third-party payment over the cost and delay of eviction court.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
Photo ID for all adults in the household. Social Security cards for all household members including children. Current lease agreement showing your address, monthly rent, and landlord contact. Eviction notice or past-due notice showing the exact amount owed and deadline. Proof of income — pay stubs (last 30 days), benefit award letters (SNAP, TANF, SSI, Social Security), or bank statements. Documentation of the crisis event — layoff letter, medical bill, reduced-hours notice. Your landlord’s name, phone number, and mailing address. All utility bills if also requesting utility assistance. Any current benefit cards or award letters — SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, Section 8.
HELP Ministries specific: Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete the application. All required documents must be present — missing documents may require rescheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which organization in York PA helps with rent fastest?
New Hope Ministries and the Salvation Army York Corps are typically the fastest for York County residents. New Hope operates Monday through Friday with multiple county locations and a broad mandate that covers nearly every housing need in a single intake. Call both on the same day and go with whichever has the earliest appointment.
What is the York County ERAP and how much can it cover?
The York County Emergency Rental Assistance Program through the Community Progress Council can cover up to 18 months of rent assistance — including past-due rent. This is the largest potential coverage amount of any program in York County. Apply at yorkcpc.net or call (717) 846-4600. Processing takes time, so apply as early as possible alongside faith-based assistance.
Does New Hope Ministries serve all of York County?
Yes. New Hope Ministries operates multiple centers throughout York County (and also serves Adams and Cumberland Counties) and provides mobile services to reach residents who cannot easily travel. The Dover Center at (717) 292-3441 and York Center at (717) 854-7438 serve different parts of the county. The Dillsburg Center at (717) 432-3053 serves northern York County and eastern Cumberland County.
Can I get help with security deposits as well as rent?
Yes. New Hope Ministries provides security deposit assistance and apartment finder services. The Salvation Army York Corps also assists with deposits for qualifying families in crisis. Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene can help with moving costs and deposits in some circumstances. If securing new housing is your need rather than preventing eviction, specify this when you call — the programs and funding tracks are different.
Can undocumented immigrants get rent help in York PA?
Yes. New Hope Ministries, LifePath Christian Ministries, and the Salvation Army all serve people regardless of immigration status. Pennsylvania TANF and government ERAP programs have citizenship requirements — but faith-based and nonprofit organizations do not.
What is Code Blue and how do I access it?
Code Blue is York County’s winter weather emergency shelter service — activated when temperatures drop to dangerous levels. LifePath Christian Ministries coordinates Code Blue in York. Call (717) 472-8911 to be screened and registered for emergency shelter services. Code Blue is open to anyone in the community during extreme cold — no prior relationship with LifePath required.
What if I need long-term housing, not just emergency rent help?
Bell Socialization Services and CPC both specialize in longer-term housing stability — budgeting, lease review, low-income housing connections, and transitional housing referrals. New Hope Ministries also offers apartment finder services and housing case management. If you are looking for affordable long-term housing in York County, call CPC at (717) 846-4600 and ask specifically about long-term housing navigation services.
Final Thoughts
York County’s emergency rent assistance network is anchored by New Hope Ministries — one of the most comprehensive non-governmental social service organizations in Central Pennsylvania — alongside CPC’s ERAP program that can cover up to 18 months of assistance. These two organizations together represent an unusually strong safety net for York County residents in housing crisis.
Act quickly. Funding is first-come, first-served and ERAP slots fill faster than most people expect.
Make these three calls today:
New Hope Ministries: (717) 292-3441 or (717) 854-7438 Community Progress Council: (717) 846-4600 211 Pennsylvania: Dial 211
← [Back to: Churches That Help With Rent — National Guide]
Last Updated: 2026 | Sources: New Hope Ministries (nhm-pa.org), York County Community Progress Council (yorkcpc.net), LifePath Christian Ministries (lifepathyork.org), Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg / HELP Ministries (cchbg.org), Salvation Army York Corps (salvationarmyusa.org), Bell Socialization Services (bellservices.org), MidPenn Legal Services (midpennlegal.org), 211 Pennsylvania (pa211.org)
Program availability, funding levels, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Always call ahead to confirm current availability before visiting. Funding is first-come, first-served.