Rental assistance Lehigh County and Allentown.
A summary of the various Lehigh County Pennsylvania rental and housing assistance programs are below. There are numerous charity agencies, churches, non-profits and government organizations that administer them. Most of the organizations have limited funding and applicants need to meet a number of criteria in order to get rent or security deposit help. It is strongly requested to call in advance to get more details.
For example, in the Lehigh Pennsylvania area it is often required that applicants either have received an eviction notice, or be currently homeless. Rental assistance is usually focused on those individuals. In addition, most applicants will need to have sustainable income sufficient to pay their housing costs and/or rent in the future. Or maybe they do not currently have a job, but they will need to have reasonable expectations for sufficient income in the very near future. These programs are not intended to pay rent on an ongoing, undetermined timeframe.
The Lehigh County Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) is run in partnership with the Office of Aging and Adult Services, the non-profits below, as well as the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley. The HAP program will make available a wide range and continuum of services to the near homeless (people facing eviction) or currently homeless individuals and families. Among other resources offered include emergency rental assistance, funds for security deposits, and housing case management. All of this aid is available to individuals and families who are found to be qualified for help. The non-profits and organizations to call for applications include:
- Catholic Social Agency, 530 Union Blvd., Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109, call (610) 435-1541
- Hispanic American Organization, 462 Walnut Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania 18102, dial (610) 435-5334
- Lehigh County Conference of Churches, Pathways, 534 Chew Street, Allentown, PA 18102, telephone number (610) 439-8653
Some of the conditions that need to be met include the applicants need to be on the verge of homelessness. Various income levels will need to be met as well, and the applicant needs to either be working or will soon be in the future. Financial aid may be offered for people who live in shared housing, shelter, or transitional units too. If someone is faced with an eviction, they need to have written proof from the landlord too. Find additional support from the Lehigh County homeless prevention program.
Lehigh County Housing Authority can help the very low income and people who meet poverty guidelines apply for section 8 housing vouchers. There are also emergency vouchers as well as public housing. The office is at 333 Ridge Street, Emmaus, PA 18049, or call (610) 433-2312.
Community Action of Lehigh Valley is a poverty fighting organization. They are a source of information on government grants for rent, including from partners such as the Conference of Churches. Or learn about legal aid, homeless prevention from ESG grants, security deposit programs and more. Continue with Lehigh County community action assistance programs.
Hispanic American Organization, phone 610-435-5334, runs a referral service to help people meet their housing and rent needs. Families can get help finding and moving into affordable, decent housing every year. Access Housing Case Management Services, rental assistance, budgeting, and other support to help maintain your home or apartments.
Call or stop by for intake, information, and referral services to community programs, public aid, and agencies. In addition to all of that, housing referral services, short-term rent assistance, including loans, may be offered. 711 N. Chew St., Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109.
Valley Housing Development Corporation - Homeless individuals with serious and persistent mental illness can apply for the Supportive Housing Program, which is a HUD funded program. Many conditions need to be met before rental assistance is provided, including individuals must agree to complete a higher education, or obtain a job. The individual will need to have some sort of income to help pay bills, rent, food, and other expenses. Call 610-866-0124
Faith based programs as part of Path. They can provide referrals to shelters, loan programs for paying housing costs or rent, and other support for the working poor, including seniors and disabled. Phone - 610.433-6421.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown – Grants and funds may be available for qualified families to prevent eviction or assist with paying portion of first month rent in Lehigh County. Emergency rental assistance may occasionally be offered for those found to be eligible (when funds are available). Also access debt and budget counseling. They also run the Madonna Homes Program, which is for pregnant women and pregnant teenagers. Call (610) 435-1541, or stop by 530 Union Blvd., Allentown, Pennsylvania 18109.
Allentown Housing Authority – Can offer subsidized public housing and the section 8 housing voucher program. If you apply and are found to be eligible, individuals will still need to pay a portion of their household income for rent and the HUD-Federal Program and grants funds the balance of your housing expense. 1339 W. Allen St., Allentown, PA 18102, call 610-439-8678
Lehigh Emergency Shelter Allowance is part of the state's Public Welfare Department. They may offer grants for paying rent as part of Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA). The homeless may also receive funds for paying a security deposit or access to low income housing and apartments. 101 South 7th Street, Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18101-2295, call 610-821-6509
North Penn Legal Services of Lehigh Valley and Bethlehem can help low income families that are facing an eviction. There is also support for those that are disputing deposits or unpaid rent. Lawyers assist with free legal aid, representation, and mediation if needed. 610-317-8757
Bethlehem Housing Authority has an office at 645 Main St., Bethlehem, PA 18018. Phone 610-865-8300. This organization runs the section 8 rental assistance and subsidized public housing for the working poor.
Easton Housing Authority (610-258-0806) is another place to call for rental vouchers from section 8 and other sources.
Homeless Supportive Service runs the Pathway Program in Lehigh County. This can distribute information and referral services for, rental assistance, housing emergency shelter, and resources such as security deposits and eviction prevention. Call 610-439-8653.
Salvation Army of Lehigh County
There are multiple social service centers with everything from emergency rent help to homeless shelters, free motel vouchers, transitional housing and more. They help the poor, immigrants, single moms and others with utility bill help, rental assistance, furniture, and other needs.
- One site is at 521 Pembroke Rd., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18017. Call 610-867-4681
- Another Salvation Army center is at 144 N. 8th Street, Allentown, PA 18101. Phone number is 610-432-0129.
- Another assistance programs are offered. More on Lehigh County Salvation Army.
South Bethlehem Neighborhood Center
Address - 700 Evan St., Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18015
Phone number is 610-865-2791
Call for housing information and rental assistance.
Homeless prevention services in Lehigh County
These government and non-profit organizations distributed grants from the federal government in the past, and the money was used for expenses such as rent and housing, security deposits, and electric bills. Advice, guidance, and general social services may be provided too. Try Bethlehem Development Agency, which can be called at (610) 865-7085.
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