Pennsylvania has over 13,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night — one of the highest totals in the United States. Philadelphia has the largest homeless population of any city in the mid-Atlantic region, while Pittsburgh, Allentown, and smaller cities like Reading and Erie also face significant housing instability. Emergency hotel and motel voucher programs operate across the state, though resources are concentrated in the major cities.
This guide from House for Homeless covers how to get emergency hotel assistance anywhere in Pennsylvania tonight. For programs in other states, see our hotel vouchers for homeless national guide. — from Philadelphia’s well-resourced system to rural Central Pennsylvania counties where options are limited.
Need a hotel voucher in Pennsylvania tonight? Call 211 immediately — Pennsylvania 211 is available 24 hours across all 67 counties. Tell the operator your city or county and that you need emergency hotel or motel assistance. Veterans call 877-424-3838.
How Emergency Hotel Vouchers Work in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel and motel assistance is funded and administered locally through:
- County Assistance Offices (CAO) — Pennsylvania’s county-level welfare offices
- Community Action Agencies — a strong statewide CAA network
- Continuums of Care — Pennsylvania has multiple CoC regions including a large Philadelphia CoC and a Balance of State CoC
- Nonprofits and faith-based organizations
Pennsylvania’s County Assistance Offices are the primary government gateway to emergency assistance funds. Every county in Pennsylvania has a CAO where residents can apply for emergency housing help.
Always call 211 first — Pennsylvania 211 covers all 67 counties.
Pennsylvania State Programs Supporting Hotel Assistance
Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS)
PA DHS administers emergency assistance programs through County Assistance Offices statewide. The Emergency Assistance Program can provide one-time emergency funds for housing including hotel placements.
PA DHS contact: 1-800-692-7462 Website: dhs.pa.gov
Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)
PHFA administers federal ESG funds and state housing resources to local organizations providing emergency shelter, rapid rehousing, and homelessness prevention — including hotel placements in some areas.
PHFA contact: 717-780-3800 Website: phfa.org
Pennsylvania Emergency Assistance Program
The Emergency Assistance Program provides one-time payments for housing emergencies. Apply through your county CAO. Eligibility is income-based and limited to certain household types, but it can cover emergency hotel costs in acute crisis situations.
Who Provides Hotel Vouchers in Pennsylvania by Region
Philadelphia (Philadelphia County)
Philadelphia has one of the most active and well-resourced homeless services systems in the United States, with a dedicated CoC and a strong network of specialized organizations.
City of Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services (OHS) Lead agency coordinating all homeless services in Philadelphia. OHS operates the city’s coordinated entry system and manages emergency housing funds.
- 24-hour Homeless Outreach Hotline: 215-232-1984
- Address: 1401 JFK Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102
- Website: phila.gov/homeless
- Hours: Hotline available 24 hours; office hours Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Project HOME One of Philadelphia’s most respected homeless service organizations — providing emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, and a full continuum of services.
- Phone: 215-232-7272
- Address: 1410 N 5th St, Philadelphia, PA 19122
- Website: projecthome.org
Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission (men) Emergency shelter and services for men in Philadelphia.
- Phone: 215-922-6400
- Address: 302 N 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Website: sundaybreakfast.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia Emergency housing assistance including hotel vouchers for individuals and families.
- Phone: 215-787-2887
- Address: 701 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Emergency assistance including housing help for anyone in need.
- Phone: 215-587-3900
- Website: cssphiladelphia.org
- Multiple offices across Philadelphia
covenant House Pennsylvania (youth ages 18–21) Emergency housing and services for young people in Philadelphia.
- Phone: 215-951-5411
- Address: 31 E Armat St, Philadelphia, PA 19144
- Website: covenanthouseph.org
Women Against Abuse (DV survivors) Emergency housing for domestic violence survivors in Philadelphia.
- 24-hour hotline: 215-386-7777
- Website: womenagainstabuse.org
Philadelphia CAO (County Assistance Office) County emergency assistance for Philadelphia residents.
- Phone: 215-560-7226
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Pittsburgh and Southwest Pennsylvania (Allegheny County)
Allegheny County CoC / Allegheny County Department of Human Services Lead CoC coordinator for Allegheny County.
- Phone: 412-350-5701
- Website: alleghenycounty.us/human-services
Operation Safety Net Street medicine and outreach connecting unsheltered people in Pittsburgh to services.
- Phone: 412-578-5956
- Website: operationsafetynet.org
Light of Life Rescue Mission (men) Emergency shelter and services for men in Pittsburgh.
- Phone: 412-562-4900
- Address: 904 River Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
- Website: lightoflife.org
- Intake: 24 hours
Bethlehem Haven (women) Emergency shelter and housing services for women in Pittsburgh.
- Phone: 412-281-2775
- Address: 905 Watson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
- Website: bethlehemhaven.org
Salvation Army of Greater Pittsburgh Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 412-368-5680
- Address: 700 N Bell Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Catholic Charities Diocese of Pittsburgh Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 412-456-6999
- Website: ccpgh.org
Allegheny County CAO County emergency assistance for Allegheny County residents.
- Phone: 412-565-2100
Allentown and Lehigh Valley (Lehigh, Northampton counties)
Lehigh Valley CoC / Community Action Lehigh Valley Lead CoC and Community Action Agency for the Lehigh Valley.
- Phone: 610-691-5620
- Website: clvcap.org
Sixth Street Shelter (Allentown) Emergency shelter and housing services in the Lehigh Valley.
- Phone: 610-435-1490
Salvation Army of Allentown Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 610-433-4214
Lehigh County CAO County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 610-821-6000
Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania
Capital Region CoC / YWCA Greater Harrisburg Lead CoC and primary shelter provider in Harrisburg.
- Phone: 717-234-7931
- Website: ywcahbg.org
Salvation Army of Harrisburg Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 717-233-6755
- Address: 730 S 19th St, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Catholic Charities Diocese of Harrisburg Emergency assistance including housing help.
- Phone: 717-564-7115
Dauphin County CAO County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 717-772-4800
Erie and Northwest Pennsylvania
Erie CoC / United Way of Erie County Coordinates homeless services in the Erie area.
- Phone: 814-456-2937
City Mission of Erie Comprehensive homeless services in Erie.
- Phone: 814-452-4421
- Website: citymissionerie.org
Salvation Army of Erie Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 814-456-3663
Erie County CAO County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 814-871-4300
Reading and Berks County
Berks CoC / Opportunity House Lead CoC and primary shelter provider in Reading.
- Phone: 610-374-4291
- Website: ohouse.org
Salvation Army of Reading Emergency assistance including hotel vouchers.
- Phone: 610-374-4517
Berks County CAO County emergency housing assistance.
- Phone: 610-378-1700
Rural and Central Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s rural counties — particularly in the north-central and south-central regions — have limited formal hotel voucher programs. Primary resources:
- Your county CAO — every Pennsylvania county has one; find at humanservices.pa.gov
- Local Community Action Agencies — call 211 for your nearest CAA
- Local churches — particularly in rural Pennsylvania, faith communities are primary emergency resources
- 211 — always call first, even in rural areas
Who Qualifies for Hotel Vouchers in Pennsylvania
| Priority Group | Pennsylvania-Specific Notes |
|---|---|
| People sleeping outside or in vehicles | Highest priority statewide |
| Families with children | Top priority; Philadelphia OHS 24-hour hotline: 215-232-1984 |
| Domestic violence survivors | PA DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233; Women Against Abuse (Philly): 215-386-7777 |
| Veterans | Strong VA resources in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Lebanon, Wilkes-Barre, Erie |
| Seniors (60+) | Priority in most county and nonprofit programs |
| Youth ages 18–21 | Covenant House Pennsylvania in Philadelphia |
| LGBTQ+ individuals | Philadelphia has specific LGBTQ+ affirming programs — ask 211 |
| Couples | Hotel placements address gender-separated shelter barriers |
| People with pets | Limited — call 211 specifically |
| Rural Central PA residents | County CAOs and local churches are primary resources |
How to Get a Hotel Voucher in Pennsylvania — Step by Step
Step 1: Call 211 — available 24 hours across all 67 Pennsylvania counties. Give your city or county name.
Step 2: If you are in Philadelphia, call the Office of Homeless Services 24-hour hotline at 215-232-1984 immediately.
Step 3: If you are in Pittsburgh, call Operation Safety Net at 412-578-5956 or the Salvation Army at 412-368-5680.
Step 4: Contact your county CAO and ask about the Emergency Assistance Program for emergency hotel placement.
Step 5: Contact the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, or local Community Action Agency in your area.
Step 6: If you are a veteran, call 877-424-3838 immediately.
What to Do During Your Pennsylvania Hotel Placement
Apply for food assistance immediately: Apply for Pennsylvania SNAP at compass.state.pa.us or call 1-800-692-7462. With zero income you qualify for maximum benefits and expedited 7-day processing. See our guide on how to apply for SNAP when homeless.
Apply for Medicaid: Apply at compass.state.pa.us for Pennsylvania Medicaid — covers healthcare, mental health, and substance use treatment.
Enter coordinated entry: In Philadelphia, call OHS at 215-232-1984. In Pittsburgh, contact Allegheny County DHS. Elsewhere, call 211. Being in coordinated entry is your pathway to rapid rehousing and permanent housing. See our guide on types of housing assistance programs for all options.
Apply for rapid rehousing: Call 211 and ask for rapid rehousing referrals. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and other major Pennsylvania cities have active programs. See our emergency rental assistance guide for another immediate option.
Apply for Section 8: Contact your local Pennsylvania PHA. Philadelphia Housing Authority: 215-684-4000. Pennsylvania PHAs have long waitlists — apply now and to multiple PHAs simultaneously. See our Section 8 guide and browse all housing voucher programs for more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a free hotel voucher for homeless in Pennsylvania?
Call 211 from anywhere in Pennsylvania — available 24 hours across all 67 counties. In Philadelphia, call the Office of Homeless Services 24-hour hotline at 215-232-1984. In Pittsburgh, call Operation Safety Net at 412-578-5956 or the Salvation Army at 412-368-5680. Your county CAO is also a key resource through the Emergency Assistance Program.
Does Pennsylvania have a statewide hotel voucher program?
No. Pennsylvania does not have a single statewide hotel voucher program. Emergency hotel assistance is funded and administered locally through county CAOs, Community Action Agencies, CoCs, and nonprofits. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have the most robust systems — rural and central Pennsylvania have significantly fewer resources. Call 211 for what is available in your specific county.
What is Pennsylvania’s County Assistance Office (CAO)?
Every Pennsylvania county has a County Assistance Office (CAO) that administers state and federal assistance programs including food assistance, Medicaid, and the Emergency Assistance Program. In a housing crisis, contact your county CAO and ask specifically about emergency hotel placements through the Emergency Assistance Program. Find your local CAO at humanservices.pa.gov.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless families in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Families with children are the top priority. In Philadelphia, the Office of Homeless Services 24-hour hotline (215-232-1984) specifically handles family placements. Your county CAO can authorize emergency hotel placements for families through the Emergency Assistance Program. Call 211 and specify that you have children.
Are there hotel vouchers for homeless veterans in Pennsylvania?
Yes — veterans should call 877-424-3838 rather than general 211 lines. Pennsylvania has VA resources in Philadelphia (Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA), Pittsburgh (VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System), Lebanon, Wilkes-Barre, and Erie with dedicated homeless veteran programs including HUD-VASH and SSVF rapid rehousing.
What if I am homeless in rural Pennsylvania?
Rural Pennsylvania has significantly fewer formal hotel voucher programs than Philadelphia or Pittsburgh. Contact your county CAO and ask about emergency housing assistance through the Emergency Assistance Program. Call 211 for your local Community Action Agency. Local churches are often the primary source of emergency hotel assistance in rural Pennsylvania communities.
Can I get a hotel voucher in Pennsylvania without ID?
Many Pennsylvania programs serve people without identification, particularly low-barrier emergency programs. Do not let lack of ID prevent you from calling 211 or the Philadelphia OHS hotline. Free Pennsylvania ID programs are available through PennDOT — ask 211 for local ID assistance resources in your county.
How long do hotel vouchers last in Pennsylvania?
Most Pennsylvania emergency placements last 1–7 nights, with possible extensions while longer-term housing is arranged. Philadelphia programs sometimes provide longer placements for families. County CAO Emergency Assistance payments are typically one-time funds with specific limits. Connect with a case manager on Day 1 and enter coordinated entry immediately — do not wait until your last night.