HELP Ministries

The application process for the Rental Assistance Program is an appointment-based process, with the application being completed at the office as part of the appointment.

The RAP (Rental Assistance Program) is for Dauphin County Residents seeking assistance with Back Rent or Move-In Assistance, such as Security Deposit. There are 2-Ways to begin the Rental Assistance Process:

1. Call in for an appointment at 717-238-2851. The receptionist will ask a few screening questions, receive your contact information and someone from the RAP Staff will return your call within 1-2 Business Days.
2. You may also come into the office to sign in for a “Walk-In” Appointment. These are first-come, first-serve appointments, which are only available *Monday through Thursday 9AM, 10:30AM and 2:30PM.

It is required to arrive at your appointment 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, to complete the application and ensure all required documents are available.

The most important part of making the rental assistance application process go efficiently is for you to bring all necessary documentation with you to your appointment. Click on the links below to view the detailed program qualifications as well as documentation needed for an intake. (see below)

If you are looking for assistance with back rent or security deposit for a rooming house rental, you can call the HELP Ministries office to make that request and you will be called back in order of requests received. No appointment is necessary for rooming house assistance.

HELP is the first point of contact for intake into the following Congregate Emergency Shelters: the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Emergency Shelter, and Interfaith Family Shelter. Emergency shelter is available on a first-come first-serve basis and is subject to availability.

HELP Ministries works with emergency shelter staff to assist clients in area emergency shelters to identify follow-up housing resources.

HELP may assist households who are currently homeless (in emergency shelters or on the streets) to obtain an apartment through security deposit and initial rental assistance, along with case management and budget counseling.

HELP can provide financial assistance to people needing life-sustaining medication on an emergency, one-time basis. This service is often used to bridge gaps in medical insurance.

HELP reserves this service for specific situations, such as 1) stranded travelers; 2) homeless individuals that have verified housing available out of the area; or 3) individuals starting a job who need a limited-time bus pass.

HELP Ministries can provide information on local food pantries offered in the area.

HELP is a resource for information and referrals for other community resources.

HELP may provide one-time assistance to people needing heating fuel during the winter heating season. Clients must exhaust any and all other energy assistance programs before they receive assistance.