As the Philadelphia housing crisis continues to impact thousands of residents, access to reliable rental assistance and housing support is more crucial than ever. This article, “Philadelphia Housing Crisis and Rental Assistance: 25 Essential Resources for Rent and Housing Support,” highlights key programs, nonprofits, and city services that help Philadelphians secure stable housing, prevent eviction, and find affordable rental options. For a comprehensive and continually updated directory, MyPhillyConnection.com is a trusted source for housing assistance in Philadelphia.
Avoid Housing Crisis: Here’s 25 Rent and Housing Assistance Resources in Philadelphia
1. FreshStartPHL
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Provides up to three months’ rent and a $1,000 stipend for relocation costs to eligible households earning up to 80% of the area median income. Designed to help residents cover move-in costs and secure stable housing.
2. Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA)
2013 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Administers public housing, the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program, and rental assistance for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
3. Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) – PHA
2013 Ridge Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19121
Provides rental subsidies for qualified low-income families to rent from private landlords. The waitlist is currently closed but will reopen periodically.
4. PHLHousing Plus
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
A guaranteed income pilot providing direct monthly cash payments to selected renter households from PHA’s waitlists, helping cover the gap between affordable and actual housing costs.
5. Philly Tenant – Rental Assistance
Online Resource
Lists organizations offering help with back rent, security deposits, and eviction prevention, including Office of Homeless Services, UESF, Catholic Social Services, Esperanza, and more.
6. Office of Homeless Services (OHS)
1401 John F. Kennedy Blvd., 10th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19102
Coordinates emergency shelter, rental assistance, and housing placement for individuals and families at risk of homelessness.
7. UESF (Utility Emergency Services Fund)
1608 Walnut St., Suite 600, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Provides emergency rental and utility assistance to prevent homelessness and utility shutoffs.
8. Catholic Social Services (CSS)
Multiple locations
Offers rental assistance, housing counseling, and emergency support for families in need.
9. Family Promise of Philadelphia
7051 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119
Helps families avoid eviction, provides emergency housing, and offers rental assistance and stabilization services.
10. Esperanza
4261 N. 5th St., Philadelphia, PA 19140
Offers rental assistance, housing counseling, and support for Latino and immigrant communities.
11. New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC)
2771 Ruth St., Suite 1, Philadelphia, PA 19134
Provides housing counseling, rental assistance, and eviction prevention programs.
12. County Assistance Office
801 Market St., 6th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Administers public benefits, including emergency cash and rental assistance for eligible households.
13. Targeted Financial Assistance (TFA)
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Short-term rental support for households facing eviction or housing instability.
14. Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Manages a range of housing assistance programs, including foreclosure prevention, repair programs, and rental support based on income guidelines.
15. Philly First Home
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Provides grants up to $10,000 for first-time homebuyers to cover down payment and closing costs, expanding access to homeownership.
16. PA Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
211 N. Front St., Harrisburg, PA 17101
Offers rental and mortgage assistance, affordable housing programs, and funding for housing initiatives across Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.
17. PHARE (Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Fund)
Statewide
Funds affordable housing, rental assistance, and community development projects throughout Philadelphia.
18. Eviction Diversion Program (EDP)
Online Resource
Provides mediation and targeted financial assistance to help tenants and landlords resolve disputes and avoid eviction.
19. Disaster Recovery and Resilience Program (DRRP)
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Rental and housing support for households impacted by disasters or emergencies.
20. Basic Systems Repair Program
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Provides free repairs to owner-occupied homes, helping prevent displacement and preserve affordable housing.
21. Adaptive Modifications Program
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Grants for home modifications to improve accessibility for people with disabilities, reducing the risk of homelessness.
22. Restore, Repair, Renew Program
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Low-interest loans for home repairs, helping homeowners maintain safe and stable housing.
23. Lead Prevention Program
1234 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107
Supports families in making homes lead-safe, which is essential for keeping children healthy and preventing housing loss.
24. MyPhillyConnection.com
Online Resource
A comprehensive, continually updated directory connecting Philadelphians to rental assistance, affordable housing, eviction prevention, and housing counseling services across the city.
25. Philly Tenant Hotline
Online and Phone Support
Provides information, referrals, and legal resources for tenants facing eviction, housing discrimination, or rental disputes.
Don’t Be A Housing Crisis Victim – Get Help Today!
Philadelphia’s housing crisis requires a coordinated response from city agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations. Programs like FreshStartPHL and PHA offer direct financial support for rent and relocation, while initiatives such as PHLHousing Plus and Philly First Home help residents bridge the gap to long-term stability and homeownership. For those facing eviction or urgent housing instability, resources like Philly Tenant, Eviction Diversion Program, and Office of Homeless Services provide critical intervention and support.
Income-based programs managed by DHCD and PHFA ensure that low- and moderate-income households can access the help they need, whether it’s for rent, utilities, repairs, or accessibility modifications. These services are vital for preventing homelessness, maintaining safe housing, and supporting vulnerable populations.
For the most current information, eligibility guidelines, and application support, MyPhillyConnection.com remains Philadelphia’s go-to platform for navigating rental assistance and housing resources. By leveraging these programs, residents can find relief from the Philadelphia housing crisis and take meaningful steps toward housing security.