HELP rental assistance program available in Dauphin County
HELP Ministries provides comprehensive rental assistance to the low income tenants of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
Rental Assistance Program
HELP Ministries manages a rental assistance program to help low income tenants who are having difficulty making rent payments on their own. The purpose is not to provide a permanent source of rental assistance. Instead, the goal of the association is to provide tenants with temporary help when a crisis interferes with their ability to make rent payments on time.
There are two main focuses for the rental assistance program:
- Help with back rent. If you are falling behind and are at risk of eviction, then you may be able to receive supplemental cash to put towards your late rent payments. This can be a great benefit for a family who cannot seem to get caught up and is afraid that their landlord is running out of patience. If you have already received an eviction notice, then you should bring a copy of it with you when you request rental assistance. HELP requires that their assistance will help you fully catch up on rent. If their help would still leave you short, then they cannot approve your request.
- Help with security deposits. Maybe you want to move to a more affordable rental unit but you do not have the cash needed to pay both the first month’s rent and a security deposit. HELP Ministries can help you come up with the cash needed to satisfy the move-in cash requirements of your new landlord. Cash can be provided for your security deposit and even part of the first month’s rent if you need it.
Qualifications
You must be a resident of Dauphin County and have a household income of no more than 200% of the federal poverty level. This amount changes annually, so you will need to check with a case manager to see what their cutoff is for the current year.
For back rent payments, your landlord must agree in writing to cease the eviction process if they provide the cash. Otherwise, they cannot make the payment.
Finally, you need to be able to afford your other bills. Utilities and food cost money, and you need to have enough funds each month in addition to your regular rent cost. If you cannot afford it, then your case manager will work with you to find an alternative living arrangement instead.
Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven
Single men who have struggled with mental illness may be able to benefit from this special housing program. Call 717-232-5029.
La Casa de Amistad
If English is not your native language, you can get help translating documents. Staff can also help you apply for public benefits.
About HELP Ministries
HELP Ministries is coordinated by Christian Churches United. In addition to rental assistance, the organization also assists with utility assistance, food, medicine and clothing.
For more information, call 717-238-2851 or visit their website.