Where to Get Help Paying Rent in Berks County, Pennsylvania
If you're behind on rent or need help with a security deposit in Berks County, there are several organizations that may be able to help. It may be possible to get emergency rent payments, funds for security deposits, or free legal representation if you've received an eviction notice. This page lists organizations in Berks County that specialize on offering emergency rent, deposits, Section 8 housing, and free legal aid for tenants facing eviction.
One thing worth knowing before you start calling: a number of rental payment assistance programs in this county draw a hard line between the City of Reading and the rest of the county. BCAP's housing assistance program covers Reading residents. The Berks County Housing Authority's voucher program covers residents outside the city, while the Reading Housing Authority handles Section 8 inside city limits. Family Promise and the Berks Coalition to End Homelessness also serve outside the city for some programs. Knowing where you live will help you identify the right contacts faster.
Emergency rent and housing assistance
Berks Community Action Program (BCAP) — Housing Assistance Program
The designated community action agency for Berks County. BCAP's Housing Assistance Program provides rental assistance payments made directly to landlords for security deposits, first month's rent, or both for households facing homelessness through eviction. Applicants must meet income eligibility guidelines and demonstrate the ability to maintain their rental agreement on an ongoing basis. BCAP also provides mortgage arrearage assistance, utility assistance, and financial counseling - in particular to struggling renters. Contact: 645 Penn Street, 3rd Floor, Reading, PA 19601 | (610) 376-6571. Website: https://bcapberks.org/homeless-assistance/
Family Promise of Berks County — Rent and Utility Assistance Program
Provides one-time emergency financial assistance for rent arrears to prevent eviction for income-qualifying Berks County residents who can demonstrate the ability to regain self-sufficiency. Walk-in applications are accepted at the Day Center; no appointment needed. Bring documentation including photo ID, proof of income, signed lease, and eviction notice. Funding is periodic — call ahead or check the website to confirm current availability before visiting. Contact: 325 N. 5th Street, Reading, PA 19601 | (610) 373-3323. Website: https://familypromiseofberks.org/our-programs/rent-and-utility-assistance/
Berks Coalition to End Homelessness (BCEH)
BCEH provides direct financial assistance including first month's rent and security deposit assistance for apartments in Berks County outside the City of Reading, and limited financial assistance to county residents facing eviction. They also administer the local Coordinated Entry system for homeless services and can provide referrals to additional housing resources or rent payment assistance programs across the county. Contact: 633 Court Street, Reading, PA 19601 | (610) 372-7222. Website: https://bceh.org/get-help/.
Catholic Charities — Diocese of Allentown (Reading office)
Provides emergency housing and utility assistance to income-qualifying residents of Berks County, including case management and longer-term support for households working toward self-sufficiency. Also provides SSVF veterans housing assistance (see veterans section below). Open to all regardless of faith. Contact: 234 Grace Street, Reading, PA 19611 | (610) 376-7144. Website: https://www.catholiccharitiesad.org/services/.
- Veterans rental and housing assistance is also offered by Catholic Charities as part of SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families). Catholic Charities Diocese of Allentown administers a VA-funded SSVF program providing rental and utility assistance, security deposit help, and case management for very low-income veterans and their families in Berks County who are homeless or at risk of losing housing. Veterans must have an honorable discharge and meet income guidelines.
Salvation Army — Berks County
Multiple Salvation Army locations in Berks County provide limited emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities as funding allows. Assistance is for residents in a genuine crisis and is subject to current funding. Call the location nearest you:
Boyertown Area Multi-Service
A social service agency serving the greater Boyertown area including Boyertown School District and Amity, District, Hereford, Pike, and Oley townships. Case managers can provide rental and mortgage assistance, energy assistance to tenants or homeowners, and referrals to other programs. Services are focused on the northwest Berks County area. Contact: 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512 | (610) 367-2313. Website: https://www.boyertownareamulti-service.org
Centro Hispano Daniel Torres
Provides referrals to community services for Spanish-speaking residents, including information on rent assistance programs, housing discrimination resources, and other social services. Not a direct financial assistance provider, but can help Spanish-speaking residents navigate available programs in order to find a place that may help pay rent or a deposit. Contact: 501 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601 | (610) 685-1265
PathStone — Berks County (farmworkers and migrants only)
PathStone provides rental and housing assistance specifically for seasonal farmworkers, migrant workers, and rural disadvantaged residents in Berks County. Assistance includes help with rent, security deposits, and energy costs. This program is limited to those who meet the farmworker/migrant eligibility criteria — it is not a general public assistance fund. Contact: 121 South Second Street, Reading, PA 19602 | (610) 988-1675 or (585) 340-3300. Website: https://pathstone.org.
Service Access and Management (SAM) — HealthChoices Housing
SAM provides blended case management and limited rent or mortgage assistance specifically for adults who have CCBH (Medical Assistance/HealthChoices) insurance through Berks County. This is not a general emergency rental assistance program — eligibility requires active enrollment in the HealthChoices Behavioral Health program. If you have Medical Assistance insurance and a housing crisis, contact SAM directly. Contact: 19 N. 6th Street, Reading, PA 19601 | (610) 236-0530
Section 8 and subsidized rental housing
Berks County Housing Authority (BCHA) — outside the City of Reading
Administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program for Berks County residents who live or plan to live outside the City of Reading. The HCV waiting list opens periodically and is frequently closed — check the website for current status. The BCHA also manages public housing developments at several locations across the county. Contact: 1803 Butter Lane, Reading, PA 19606 | (610) 370-0822. Website: https://www.berksha.org.
Reading Housing Authority (RHA) — City of Reading only
Administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and public housing for City of Reading residents. Both the HCV and public housing waiting lists are often closed. Monitor the RHA website for any openings. Note that RHA explicitly states it does not offer emergency housing services — for emergency help, contact BCEH at (610) 372-7222. Contact: 400 Hancock Blvd, Reading, PA 19611 | (610) 775-4813. Website: https://www.readingha.org
Pennsylvania Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA) - Berks County office
Pennsylvania's Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA) is a state-funded program administered through county Assistance Offices that may provide emergency cash assistance to help renters or homeowners facing eviction or foreclosure. Eligibility is income-based. Apply through the Berks County Assistance Office at 625 Cherry Street, Reading, PA 19601. Call the PA DHS main line at (800) 692-7462 for information on current availability.
Free legal help for tenants
MidPenn Legal Services — Reading Office
Provides free civil legal services to income-eligible residents in Berks County, including eviction defense, habitability issues, tenant's rights, and public housing matters. Eligibility is based on income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. Apply by phone or online. Contact: 501 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19601 | (610) 376-8656. Toll-free intake: (800) 326-9177. Website: https://www.midpenn.org
Note on 211
Calling 211 connects you to United Way of Berks County's referral line for local resources including housing, food, and utility assistance. It's a useful starting point if you're unsure where to begin, but not every program on this page appears in the 211 database, and funding at any given organization changes frequently. Use 211 as a supplement to calling programs directly.
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