Housing & Utilities
Housing
PA offers a variety of housing programs and resources that can help lower income people or people at risk of homelessness.
Chester County Emergency Rent & Utility Assistance Program
This program serves Chester County residents that meet the eligibility criteria:
- Qualify for unemployment or have experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced financial hardship during COVID-19
- Are at risk of being homeless or have housing instability
- Have a household income at or below 80% of the area median
How to apply:
To find out if you qualify or how to apply, dial 2-1-1 and select ‘Housing Crisis’ from the prompted list. This is the only way to access this program.
Public Housing
The Housing Authority of Chester County (HACC) administers the Housing Choice Voucher (HVC) rental assistance program and public housing to low income individuals of Chester County. Learn more here or call 610-521-8770.
Utilities
LIHEAP
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps low-income families pay their heating bills. Qualifying families will receive a cash grant and households at immediate risk of being without heat may qualify for a crisis grant. Grants can range from $500 - $1500 and are sent directly to the utility company as a credit on your bill.
Apply online here or you may fill out a paper copy and turn it in to your local County Assistance Office.
Crisis Grants:
Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP Crisis Program. This may include:
- Broken heating equipment
- Lack of fuel
- Heating source has been shut off
- In danger of being without fuel (less than 15 day supply)
- In danger of having utility service terminated (you have received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
Weatherization Assistance
If your home or apartment needs weatherization improvements, you may qualify for the Weatherization Assistance Program through the Community Action Agency of Delaware County. Eligible households would receive an assessment of energy use and air leakage in their home or apartment, then a team would make energy efficiency improvements to help decrease monthly utility bills. To qualify, your household must not exceed 150% of the poverty level. Learn more or apply here .
Who may qualify:
- Must meet income guidelines
- You do not have to be on public assistance
- You do not have to have an unpaid heating bill
- You can rent or own your home
Additional Community Resources:
Safe Harbor is a non-profit charitable organization whose mission is to provide housing, food, and access to support services in a structured environment for homeless single men and homeless single women in Chester County. They provide a clean bed, laundry, shower facilities, clothing and personal hygiene supplies in a safe, clean and stable environment. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner is provided daily for shelter residents.
Address: 20 N. Matlack St. West Chester, PA 19380
Call 2-1-1 if you are in need of shelter in Chester County or text your zip code to 898-211 for a resource navigator
Friends association promotes the independence of families with children by providing shelter, programs, and services that prevent and end homelessness in Chester County.
Address: 113 West Chestnut Street, West Chester, PA 19380
Phone: 610-431-3598
Call 2-1-1 if you are in need of shelter in Chester County or text your zip code to 898-211 for a resource navigator
