Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Lancaster County Assistance Office - Emergency Shelter Allowance
Helps a homeless or near homeless family/individual to: stop eviction from your home/apartment or foreclosure of your house; find a long-term place to live; find a short-term place to stay. Provides a one-time payment up to $400 to prevent eviction or $100-$300 to obtain temporary or permanent shelter. There is no monthly rental assistance or subsidy available.

Need must be the result of an emergency such as eviction, living in hazardous conditions, homeless or near homeless. If more funds are owed than CAO can offer are required to prevent or resolve the emergency, the applicant must have another way to pay the remainder due. The individual or family must have sufficient income to afford future rent. Items are verified with landlord/employer, etc.
Eligibility: Must meet income and resource guidelines in the month of application. If household contains individuals under 21, resources are excluded and a slightly higher income limit is used; Have not received another Emergency Shelter Allowance grant within past year. The amount of assistance will depend on needs, situation, and emergency.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
(717) 299-7411
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Phone/FAX Numbers
  • (717) 299-7411
  • (877) 395-8930 - Hotline/Toll-Free
  • (717) 299-7565 - Fax
Fee Amounts: Free
Intake Procedure: Walk in, call or visit the website at www.compass.state.pa.us; If client is receiving other benefits, request is made through their case worker; If not receiving any benefits, complete an application
Intake Requirements: Lease/proof of shelter/housing arrangement including rent amount, landlord information, eviction notice, id, proof of income
Geographical Area: Lancaster
Helpful Tips: Click here to see an overview of this program
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Pennsylvania Department of Human Services
Lancaster County Assistance Office - Emergency Shelter Allowance
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