Philadelphia emergency financial assistance.
Find how to get emergency financial assistance in Philadelphia from Community Center Programs located across the county. Non-profit organizations such as Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN) as well as the community action administer the programs, including to Emergency Solution Grants, Food and Shelter Program, UESF and others. Find details below on emergency help in Philly for struggling, low-income families or single people.
Struggling residents in the county as well as county can receive emergency housing, grants for utility bills, and other assistance through these main providers. Applications administered include funds from both federal and state funded programs.
List of emergency help in Philly
Receive up to one month of rent, or funds to pay a security deposit of first month's rent, from the EFSP - Federal Emergency Mortgage Assistance Food and Shelter Program. Philadelphia residents who meet low income guidelines and are struggling with either hunger or housing may be able to receive emergency grants. EFSP is federally funded but applications are processed by local non-profits in Philadelphia.
The goal is to help stop homelessness or rehouse people, including those impacted by a disaster. The funds can help with paying first month's rent for a new apartment or home, one month's worth of total back rent, or funds can even be used to pay the highest utility bill (whether electric, heating, or water) in any month.
There are income, asset and other requirements to get emergency help, with much of the money from the Emergency Food and Shelter Program going to residents living in poverty. The TURN organization (phone number below) can provide more information or there is also information at the Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity at 215-685-3600.
Additional emergency housing or shelter can be provided by the state government in partnership with local non-profits in Philadelphia. The funds are part of the Emergency Shelter Allowance, or ESA. This provides housing, temporary utility and emergency rental assistance to low-income Philadelphia residents who either rent an apartment or own a home. The assistance offered can include money to pay a wide range of housing costs, even a mortgage.
Applicants to the program must be referred to TURN by the Philadelphia County Assistance Office, which is located at 801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Or to learn more you can dial the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DHS at 215-560-7226 to speak to a representative.
Another option is the Utility Emergency Services Fund, or UESF. This program can help low income individuals and families stabilize their housing situation. City of Philadelphia residents can get help with paying heating bills, utility, water and gas bills. In some cases, emergency money to pay for housing costs may be offered by UESF, including rent, storage or moving costs. Financial resources offered include self-sufficiency training as well as ongoing counseling. Read more on grant money from Philly UESF.
Philadelphia Tenant Union Representative Network offers emergency help to to people living in crisis. A non-profit that offers an extensive array of financial assistance to qualified residents. The organization is often referred to s TURN. Resources offered include those below. Or call 215-940-3900 for more information.
- Emergency financial assistance with mortgage, rent, and utility bills. This is provided only when money is available, as funding is limited. Find more Philadelphia mortgage assistance.
- Receive free legal defense in eviction actions or foreclosure filings. They also help people, including migrants or single parents, that are facing housing discrimination claims.
- Learn about how to get rental unit repair problems, and what your rights are.
- Providing referrals to additional support services across Philadelphia.
Another emergency resource available for low income individuals is located at the city of Philadelphia Mayor’s office. It is focused on housing and emergency help to stop evictions or homelessness. Individuals can meet with a Case Worker to apply for financial assistance, and more importantly access case management for long term self-sufficiency. There are a total of multiple shelters and community centers around the county and the city, with the information at as operated by the Office of Homeless Services - Prevention, Diversion and Intake (PDI) Department.
If a case worker at a community center or department can't help, they will attempt to provide individuals with referrals to other places for emergency help. This can include social service agencies, churches, and charities that may be able to assist the client. To learn more about the community centers programs, call the hotline at (215) 686-7177.
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