Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Northwestern County Assistance Offices
Forest County Assistance Office - Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA)
Provides an Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA) to help individuals/families who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming unhoused, to:
  • Stop eviction or foreclosure
    • Find a long-term place to live
    • Find a short-term place to stay
    • Eligibility: Pennsylvania residents who meet all income, resource, and non-financial guidelines. Individuals/families must either be currently receiving or apply for other benefits (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF) through the Department of Human Services.
    Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 5:00pm
    (814) 755-3552
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    Phone/FAX Numbers
    • (814) 755-3552
    • (800) 876-0645 - Hotline/Toll-Free
    • (814) 755-3420 - Fax
    Fee Amounts: No fees apply
    Intake Procedure: Contact the County Assistance Office by phone or walk in.

    View Intake Website >
    Intake Requirements: In addition to ID and documentation of income/resources, the County Assistance Office require:
  • Proof of the emergency and the amount of money needed to address the crisis
    • Proof that an ESA will solve the housing crisis (rather than only delay eviction/foreclosure)
    • Geographical Area: Service available in all of Pennsylvania.

    Each County Assistance Office serves residents of the county in which it is located.
    Helpful Tips: Individuals not currently receiving benefits are required to apply, and may do so:
  • Online using the COMPASS Website or mobile app
    • In Person: at the local County Assistance Office
    • Facility/ADA Access: Information not available
    Additional Services Offered at this Location:
    If you represent this agency, update your listing here.
    * The community resource directory information is up to date to the best of our knowledge. However, you should always call the provider to confirm this information and make an appointment. Be sure to confirm payment information with the provider, if payment is required. Pennsylvania 211 does not rate, recommend or endorse any agency. We simply provide information as a public service.
    Pennsylvania Department of Human Services - Northwestern County Assistance Offices
    Forest County Assistance Office - Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA)
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