HELP Ministries, sometimes referred to as "The HELP Office," is a social service hub in Dauphin County, providing a comprehensive approach to homelessness and poverty alleviation through crisis resolution, emergency aid, and housing assistance.
We offer a continuum of crisis management and homeless solutions: from homelessness prevention to short-term aid to long-term solutions, as well as other crisis assistance.
Program Manager:
Leah Payne
Office Location:
413 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104 (GPS)
phone: (717) 238-2851 | fax: (717) 238-1916 | e-mail: help@ccuhbg.org
Most HELP Ministries assistance is currently being coordinated by phone or e-mail. Please only come in person to the HELP Ministries office if you don't have a working phone, if you need to pick up or drop off an application, or if you have an appointment. If you need to access our services, call HELP Ministries at (717) 238-2851 weekdays between 8:30am and 3pm to communicate your request for help. If there is no answer, please leave a message or e-mail help@ccuhbg.org. A HELP Ministries staff member will contact you within 1 business day.
In the case of a crisis need off hours, please call 911 if a medical emergency, otherwise call Dauphin County Crisis Intervention at (717) 232-7511 for a crisis housing need. For information and referral off hours, dial 211 for CONTACT Helpline.
Homelessness Prevention
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Case Management and Rental Assistance
We help households under threat of eviction resolve situations and stay in their housing, thereby reducing stress and trauma for all involved. Application availability is based on current funding. Please call the HELP Office at 717-238-2851 or e-mail help@ccuhbg.org to check if we are accepting applications at the current time.
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Heating Fuel
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.
Short-Term Aid
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Emergency Shelter
HELP is the first point of contact for intake into the following emergency shelters: the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg Emergency Shelter, Shalom House, and Interfaith Family Shelter. Emergency shelter is available on a first-come first-serve basis and is subject to availability.
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Case Management
HELP works with emergency shelter staff to assist clients in area emergency shelters to identify follow-up housing resources.
Long-Term Solutions
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Rapid Rehousing and Rental Assistance
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.
Other Crisis Assistance
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Medication Assistance
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.
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Transportation Assistance
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.
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Food Referrals
HELP provides referrals to area food pantries listed in the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s referral guide.
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Information and Referral
HELP is a resource for information and referrals for other community resources.
HELP Ministries is supported financially by area churches, businesses, local government agencies, concerned individuals, PPL Electric Utilities, Community Aid and the United Way of the Capital Region.
