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Assistance programs in Dauphin County and Harrisburg.
Find information on government agencies, churches and charities that offer financial assistance to help people pay their utility bills, rent, transportation costs and mortgages in Dauphin County. Or they give out free items, including food, health or dental care, clothes, Christmas toys or school supplies. Get financial help near you in Harrisburg and Dauphin County PA.
There may also be even free car or auto repairs to low income families as well as gas cards. These groups, as well as Dauphin County Human Services, all provide the free stuff or grant money in Harrisburg, Hershey and the Lower Paxton Township. Or clients can get information on job placement, free credit counseling, or longer term programs so people can get back on their feet.
Community action assistance for low income families
Tri-County Community Action (also known as Community Action Commission) runs number programs for the region. Call for information on these or other social services or emergency assistance.
- Stabilization is offered from the Family Self Sufficiency Program. The goal is to help low-income and working poor families get out of poverty. Develop a plan, get referrals to education and employment in Dauphin County. Clients can access child care and credit repair services, transportation such as an auto repair or free car, and other ongoing support. Or locate free car repairs to low income families.
- Energy bill assistance is offered from programs such as PP&L On Track, LIHEAP, and other resources. The PP&L programs provide qualified lower income customers with a special rate on their account. It can even cancel a portion of a balance if you are successful and stay on track with paying your utility bills. Call 800.342.5775 or the Community Action Commission to apply or learn more. LIHEAP is a federally funded program for paying winter heating bills.
- Weatherization and the E-Power Wise Program are free conservation programs. Staff from Tri-County community action can provide energy efficiency education and improvement measures to households, including information on the effectiveness of triple pane windows.
- Rental support is provided to people facing evictions in Dauphin County, including single moms or veterans. The help is from the Prepared Renter Education Program (PREP), counselors, and other resources. The community action agency, working with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, will help tenants and give them the tools they need to remain on track with payments to afford their rent.
- Foreclosure Counseling is also available in Dauphin County. Learn how to modify mortgages, restructure debts, manage household finances, and apply for government mortgage assistance programs. The agency can also provide referrals to other sources and non-profits.
- Referrals are given. Dauphin County community action can help clients apply for cash aid, low cost housing, grants or loans and other resources. As an example, learn more on how much cash assistance you can get in PA.
- Free income tax preparation is offered annually by CAC. The program, known as Money in Your Pocket, provides free tax preparation services for low to moderate income individuals in Dauphin County. All tax returns are prepared for free by local volunteers and professionals. CAC also offers this program.
- The Prosperity Center is offered in partnership with the Dauphin United Way. Get advice and support for effectively managing your finances and budget. The Center also helps clients apply for government benefits, assists in employment search, and offers resume services too.
- Job training and career development is part of a workforce development program. This service helps people find jobs and improve their employment as well as career skills. It addresses the retention and preparation of private employees. The formal name of the program is the Success Academy, and it offers computer training for employees in academic enrichment and English as a Second Language.
- Remote work or careers s a focus too. There is also a list of stay at home jobs, information on training for front lien supervisors, and employee training in basic, soft skills.
- Free debt and credit counseling is another resource offered by Tri-County CAC (phone number below) that will help families and individuals become more informed and responsible consumers. This is yet another way the Commission helps people move toward self-sufficiency. For example, consumers can get advice for how to eliminate credit card and medical debt, how to stop debt collection calls, and referrals to other assistance programs, such as PPL OnTrack program.
Tri-County Community Action is located at 1514 Derry Street in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104. Call (717) 232-9757. They help the low income in Harrisburg and throughout the county. Read more on getting help from Tri-County.
Grant money, housing, food and financial help in Dauphin County
Emergency financial assistance for bills from HELP Ministries, and the churches that are part of this group, assist the community. HELP Ministries is an organization that is made up of about 150 local churches across Dauphin County. The parishes provide resources to thousands of people year. They also offer case management and other support.
- Services provided by HELP and its member churches include food referrals, grants for rent assistance, and emergency shelter. In some cases the charity will also offer families low income loans. Other resources include utility bill assistance, free furniture or clothing referrals, mortgage payments, or support for medical travel.
- These financial resources are provided in collaboration with many non-profits in Harrisburg, including churches, government and private dollars and local foundations.
- PPL OnTrack, which HELP can offer referrals too, offers electricity and gas customers with limited household incomes a special reduced monthly payments. The reduction is based on family size, income, and electricity usage and amount of their bills.
- Free heating oil, including propane, will help the poor and elderly during the winter. As churches offer this with local dealers. Click here for more information on free heating oil programs for the low income.
- HELP can also provide free prescription medications, RX vouchers and referrals for patients and how they can get free health care.
 The main HELP office is at 413 S 19th St, Harrisburg, PA 17104, or call them at 717-238-2851. The churches can also offer additional financial aid to residents. For additional details, learn more on HELP Ministries emergency programs.
Harrisburg Salvation Army supports the entire county. This agency also can provide a wide range of resources. They have programs that provide free holiday meals and Christmas gifts, such as Angel Tree and Adopt a Family. The faith based charity also has limited funding for rent and energy bills, grants to help make a mortgage payments, and also health care services. Or get free vouchers for gas for a new job or medications.
- There are several centers in the Dauphin County region, including food pantries and thrift stores that can offer basic needs. There are also homeless shelters as well as transitional housing programs or free motel vouchers. Whether free grants, referrals, a box of groceries or money for bills, help is available. Dial 717.233.6755, or read Salvation Army Dauphin County assistance programs.
Another organization is Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church. (phone 717- 233-6541). They offer a wide variety of social services, free items and financial resources. Some of the programs include Caring Closet, which is an ongoing clothing ministry where gently used clothing is provided to neighbors free of charge. The uninsured and low-income can also apply to See the Future, which provides free or discounted prescription eyeglasses for low and moderate income, and underinsured adults. Click here for other medical charity programs. They also have a food bank on site.
- Neighborhood Center of the United Methodist Church has other resources. Programs offered include child and day care, after-school programs, as well as a free furniture or clothing bank. There is also affordable summer camp, meal programs, homework assistance, prescription eyeglasses for adults and food and grocery distribution. Find additional programs that may be offered by from churches. The location is 1801 N. 3rd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Read more on how churches are providing help, or dial 717.233.6541
Economic stimulus - Since Dauphin County houses the state capital of Harrisburg, the government may make announcements from time to time on economic stimulus and/or new grant programs. In general, the state provides hundreds of millions of dollars per year to the less fortunate, working poor, and low income families. They fund education, job training, housing and emergency energy bill programs. Contact the United Way to learn more on some of the more recent announcements made by the state for economic aid.
The Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Harrisburg, PA Inc. provides confidential, professional counseling services to individuals, couples and families. There is also help for immigrants in the region. There is referrals to housing, shelter, food, clothes, gas cards and more. The goal is to help the poor, and this also includes free housing for the mentally ill.
- Counseling is offered by highly trained therapists and licensed psychiatrists. Services are provided regardless of religious affiliation, race or ability to pay. They do not provide financial aid, but a homeless shelter may be available to those that qualify. Call 717-657-4804.
Christian Churches United of the Tri-County Area is a partnership of local churches in Dauphin County and Harrisburg PA. They offer numerous assistance programs, including the following
- Rent and housing assistance- The partnership may assist households with delinquent rent payments or provide help to people who need security deposits. Other faith based services may also be able to assist low income families, and read more on rent help from churches.
- Food - Free food and groceries may be provided from a pantry.
- Medication - Receive free prescription medication if you are facing a life threatening situation.
- Heating and utility bills - They may be able to provide help to pay an utility or heating bill, and they also work with local utility and power companies to coordinate their assistance programs.
- Travel assistance - Transportation to appointment and other support.
- People with no money or income can get help, both for short and long term needs. Find options when you have no money.
Other support is offered too, with support for the homeless, single moms in Dauphin County, people with no money and others. Call 413 S 19th St, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104. Call (717) 230-9550.
Rent, security deposits, and housing - If you are faced with an eviction, need funds to pay rent or security deposits, or if you are homeless, then a number of non-profits specialize in housing assistance. Thousands of Dauphin County Pennsylvania residents receive emergency rental assistance every year. Find more on the resources offered in the Harrisburg area and click here to find emergency rent help in Dauphin County.
- The Dauphin County Housing Authority - The government agency may help residents locate permanent housing, apartments and more. Section 8 vouchers are also available, but there is almost always a waiting list. No wait list, affordable housing in Harrisburg PA is offered too. Section 8 and private, low income housing assistance is available. The financial aid is for families leasing from approved, participating landlords or apartment communities. The PHA is at 501 Mohn Street, Steelton, Pennsylvania 17113-7598. Call (717) 939-9301.
- Brethren Housing Association - Runs transitional housing program and shelter with life skills, case management, goal planning and mentors. Referrals to other low income and public housing units may be offered. Location is 219 Hummel Street. Harrisburg, PA 17104. Call (717) 233-6016
Helping Hands is a ministry located at 101 North Cameron Street in Harrisburg, PA 17101. They provide referrals to financial aid. Other services include free clothing for work or school (for students), personal hygiene items, and food. There are kits for homeless people, free holiday baskets in Dauphin County as well as other resources. Dial (717) 221-0490.
Pathstone is a non-profit that supports individuals all across Pennsylvania and Dauphin County. Assistance is for migrants, the working poor, and others facing a crisis. Resources include free food, nutritional assistance, and emergency grant money for rent help. The Harrisburg PA charity also has emergency shelter, security deposit assistance, mortgage relief and funds for utility or heating bills. All assistance is one time cash grants only. The location is 1625 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17102. Phone: (717) 234-6647.
Find free holiday assistance from local charities and non-profits. There are organizations across Harrisburg and the county that provide everything from Christmas toys to meals as well as clothing. The homeless, seniors, and single moms or parents can also get help at Christmas or Thanksgiving. More information on Dauphin County free holiday assistance.
- The homebound in Hershey, Harrisburg and the county will be able to apply for holiday help to be delivered or sent in the mail. This includes Christmas presents, meals, food, toys and more, but applications are needed early for home delivery. Look here for how to get presents for free in the mail.
Hershey Food Bank & Community Outreach, on East Derry Road, offers groceries, free USDA approved food and referrals. Will rarely have financial assistance for paying utility bills and/or rent in a crisis. However they usually send people to local social service agencies for immediate assistance. Credit and free budgeting counseling is available as well. Call 717-520-3143, or the location is 120 E Derry Rd, Hershey, PA 17033.
Bridge of Hope Harrisburg Area will try to place clients into permanent housing. The agency will also offer rental assistance; job training and education. There is also case management for housing, emotional support, and more. The goal is to help families become self-sufficient.
- A goal is on rehousing, including for people with bad credit in Dauphin County. The charity may have rental assistance or money for moving costs for people moving from transitional to permanent housing at certain sites. Dial 717-635-5957 for appointment.
Shalom House will try to help families move back into housing. The center can assist with rent, utility and other types of support, including intensive case management services and goal setting. The name of the main service is SHARP program, which focuses on long term stability. Phone number of the non-profit is 717-232-3482. They help the low income apply for section 8 housing as well in the region, and find details on local section 8 homes near you.
Coordination Help Ministries address emergency needs/shelter. The agency also offers clothing, free food, prescription or travel assistance. Funds for rent, light or heating bills may be offered too. They also run an emergency shelter for single women with children, families, or just single women. Staff work with the YWCA, Shalom House, and Interfaith Shelter. The charity is at 413 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17104, dial (717) 238-2851.
Volunteers of America-Pennsylvania is headquartered in Harrisburg, but they operate across much of PA and Dauphin County. The volunteer driven charity helps the poor, pregnant women, veterans, disabled, homeless and others. Everything from business start-up classes from Orderm to SSVF that helps veterans pay their rent or utilities, to senior subsidized housing and other resources are offered. There are also free or cheap rides for the disabled from Dial-A-Driver. More on Volunteers of America Pennsylvania programs.
Dauphin County Agency On Aging can help (1) senior citizens as well as (2) the disabled. There are a wide range of programs, ranging from free grant money to congregate meals, recreation activities, workshops such as on how to apply for Medicaid and more. The address is 2 S 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17101. The goal is to try to help seniors both get information on any assistance they may need as well as get the social and mental stimulation they need. Call (717) 780-6130, or find free government money for seniors.
Gaudenzia (Elta Community, Inc.) runs the Dauphin County Rental Assistance Program (DCRAP). The organization provides Transitional housing, employment assistance, and life skills. All applications are in Spanish too. There is also other support, such as information on high end-luxury apartments. Learn more on section 8 luxury units to rent. Call (717) 232-2970, or the address is 1910 N 2nd St, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
YWCA of Greater Harrisburg runs the YW-PHD, or Permanent Housing For Homeless With Disabilities. Rental subsidies may be offered along with case management. It is for the disabled or homeless. There is first floor apartments, income based homes and more for those with a physical or mental disability. Call (717) 234-7931, or the location is 1101 Market St, Harrisburg, PA 17103.
Harrisburg Center for Peace & Justice can be reached at (717) 233-3072. The location offers housing, credit counseling, support for utilities, eviction prevention advice and more. Various social services are available. Location is 315 Peffer St, Harrisburg, PA 17102.
Family Promise Of Harrisburg Capital Region runs shelter for women that are pregnant and/or have a child. Free meals, clothing, and other basic needs may be offered too. The non-profit also works with local churches and congregations. Call 717-737-1100, or the address is 56 Erford Rd, Camp Hill, PA 17011. Or look here for other ways to get help for expectant women.
Dauphin County Assistance Office is based in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. Dial 800-788-5616. A number of government and public assistance programs are administered, such as LIHEAP / Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program for your heating bills. Other resources include SNAP food stamps, the TANF cash assistance program, Medicaid, and more. Both state and federal government programs can be applied for. Continue for more information on public aid in Pennsylvania.
Free legal aid, consultations and representation helps low-income families. MidPenn Legal Services, located in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, provides residents with free legal advice. Get help with such civil issues as foreclosures, help with an eviction, utility disconnections, consumer debt, and other issues. To find a free lawyer, dial 717-234.0492 or the location is 213 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17101.
- There are many other legal resources in the Dauphin County area. There is help for tenants facing eviction or low income families applying for disability. Or get help in dealing with debt collectors or free bankruptcy filings. Families in poverty as well as seniors are the key recipients. For more details, learn about Social Security Disability Legal Advocates.
Beacon Clinic helps the low-income, uninsured, and working poor. They offer health care, medications, eye exams, OBGYN, immunizations and other support in Dauphin County, including for people on Medicaid. This also includes free medical equipment for Medicaid patients. The location is 248 Seneca St, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Call (717) 775-1111. Get details on what can you get with Medicaid.
Free food, groceries and meals
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank can provide people with free food and groceries. This organization has been dedicated to ending hunger throughout the state. Call 717-564-1700. Thousands of families throughout receive food assistance or free groceries from this group. There are several other food banks in Harrisburg Pennsylvania for the needy and low income.
- Hope United Presbyterian Church, which can be contacted at 717-921-8111. The address is Allegheny St, Dauphin, PA 17018.
- A pantry at Brethren in Christ Church has boxes of food and meals. The charity is at 2217 Derry St, Harrisburg, PA 17104. Phone: (717) 561-2170.
Several other non-profit centers are available. They are either free food pantries or soup kitchens. They feed the homeless, people with no money, and working poor. Find a list of Dauphin County free food pantries.
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