Property Management International Greater Philadelphia • www.greaterphilapm.com
Philadelphia Rent Assistance Resources
Places to apply for help paying rent and back rent.
If you are behind on rent, the organizations below may be able to help with expenses so you can catch up and stay current. Start with the first calls, then work through the list that fits your situation — many programs serve a specific neighborhood, ZIP code, or group.
Please read first: Funding opens and closes throughout the year, and eligibility rules differ by program. Call before you visit, ask if funds are available right now, and apply as early as you can.
1 — Start here: first calls
PA 211 — free referral line, 24 hours a day
One call connects you to local programs near you for rent, utilities, and shelter, in many languages.
Apply: Dial 2-1-1, text your ZIP code to 898-211, or search at pa211.org
Eviction Diversion Program (EDP)
Free City program that helps landlords and tenants work out a payment agreement through mediation or supported negotiation, instead of going to court. In most nonpayment cases, a landlord must take part in good faith before filing for eviction.
Call: (215) 523-9501 | eviction-diversion.phila.gov
2 — City program
Office of Homeless Services (OHS) — Homelessness Prevention
The City's main prevention program. When funding allows, eligible households may get help with overdue rent, and some may qualify for longer help with case management.
Apply: Homelessness Prevention InfoLine (215) 686-7177 — call and follow the instructions, or visit a City-funded intake center. Questions: OHSPrevention@phila.gov
3 — Community organizations that may help with rent
These nonprofits may help with back rent when funds are available. Ask what documents they need and whether your address is in their service area.
Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF)
Best known for utility grants, UESF also does housing stabilization work that may cover rent or mortgage payments for approved low-income applicants, plus benefits enrollment and budget counseling.
Call: (215) 972-5170 | uesfacts.org | BenePhilly Center at UESF: (215) 814-6845
Catholic Social Services (CSS)
May help eligible households with rent or utility bills when funds are available, plus housing referrals and case management. One helpline connects you to your nearest Family Service Center, including Northeast, Southwest, and Casa del Carmen in North Philadelphia. Open to people of all faiths.
Call: CSS Helpline (267) 331-2490 | csshelp@chs-adphila.org
The Salvation Army — Greater Philadelphia
Local corps community centers take emergency requests for rent, utilities, and other basic needs. A case manager reviews each request; help is given as funding allows.
Call: (215) 825-4601 to be routed to your nearest center
Esperanza
Help with past-due rent for households in and around North Philadelphia / Hunting Park.
Call: (215) 324-0746 | esperanza.us — request an appointment online
Congreso de Latinos Unidos
Housing counseling and rental assistance. Congreso also runs a track for survivors of domestic violence.
Call: (215) 763-8870 | 216 W. Somerset St.
New Kensington CDC (NKCDC)
Housing counseling and, when open, rental and relocation assistance for the Kensington / Fishtown area. Ask if new applications are being accepted.
Call: (215) 427-0350
Urban League of Philadelphia
Ask about rental assistance and housing counseling.
Contact: housing@urbanleaguephila.org | (215) 985-3220 ext. 235
Lutheran Settlement House
May help with past-due rent; also a resource for survivors of domestic violence.
Call: (215) 426-8610
Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry — Northwest only
Small grants for past-due rent for residents of ZIP codes 19118, 19119, 19126, 19138, 19144, and 19150.
Call: (215) 843-2340 for an appointment | 35 W. Chelten Ave. | info@crisisministry.org
BenePhilly — free benefits help
Not a rent grant, but free one-on-one help applying for benefits you may be owed — including SNAP, LIHEAP, cash assistance, and the Property Tax / Rent Rebate — which can free up money for rent.
Call: (800) 994-5537
4 — Help for families, veterans, and specific situations
Family Promise of Philadelphia — families with children
Grants for past-due rent and utilities. You must have a child age 18 or younger, show proof of income, and have a plan to stay housed.
Apply: Online at familypromisephl.org/get-help
HopePHL — families, West Philadelphia
Rental assistance for past-due rent and housing stability help for individuals and families. There may be a waitlist.
Call: (267) 720-4673 | prevention@hopephl.org
Veterans Multi-Service Center
Support for low-income veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their home, which may include help with back rent.
Call: (215) 923-2600 | 213-217 N. 4th St.
DHS Prevention Assistance Fund
If you have an open case with the Department of Human Services (DHS), funds may be available for past-due rent.
Apply: Ask your DHS or CUA caseworker directly
5 — Utility help that can free up money for rent
These programs lower utility bills rather than paying rent directly: LIHEAP (heating help — apply through COMPASS), PECO Customer Assistance Program (CAP), PGW Customer Responsibility Program (CRP) (lower bill and debt forgiveness for low-income customers), and the Water Department Tiered Assistance Program (TAP) (water bill based on income). UESF and 211 can help you apply.
What to have ready when you apply
- Photo ID for the adults in the household, and Social Security cards if you have them.
- Your lease and a rent ledger or statement from your landlord showing exactly what you owe.
- Proof of income for the last 30 days (pay stubs, benefits letter, or other income records).
- Any notices you received — late notice, Eviction Diversion notice, or other notices, with dates.
- Utility bills if you are also asking for utility help.
- Write down who you called, the date, and what they asked for next — and tell your landlord you are applying.
- Many programs pay the landlord directly and need the landlord's paperwork.
Property Management International Greater Philadelphia — www.greaterphilapm.com
Information checked November 2026. Sources include the City of Philadelphia (phila.gov), PA 211, and the organizations listed. Funding and eligibility change — please confirm directly with each organization. General information only, not legal advice.
