HELP Ministries

As of 8/1/2024, the application process for the Rental Assistance Program will be an appointment-based process, with the application being filled out at the office as part of the appointment.

To obtain a rental assistance appointment, you can CALL the HELP Ministries office at 717-238-2851 from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday. You will be asked some screening questions to determine if you are qualified to apply (see below) . If you are qualified to apply, you will be scheduled for an appointment and given a list of documents you must bring along to your appointment in order for us to determine if you are eligible for assistance.

A very limited number of walk-in appointments will be available at the HELP Ministries office each day, so it is highly recommended you call to set an appointment rather than walking-in at the office.

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. (see below)

We will start scheduling appointments for 8/1/2024 and beyond as of Monday, July 29.

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 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.

HELP 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 provides referrals to area food pantries listed in the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s referral guide.

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.