Struggling For Affordable Housing? 50+ Philadelphia Resources You Didn't Know Existed
- Philadelphia Affordable Housing
- Oct 25
- 4 min read
Finding affordable housing in Philadelphia can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone in this journey. The City of Brotherly Love has dozens of programs, organizations, and resources designed to help residents secure stable, affordable housing. Whether you're facing an immediate crisis or planning your next move, this comprehensive guide will connect you with resources you might not have known existed.
Emergency Housing Resources
When you're facing an immediate housing crisis, these resources can provide quick assistance:
Office of Homeless Services Coordinated Entry
What they do: Connect you with emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing programs
Contact: 215-686-7150
Location: Serves all Philadelphia neighborhoods
Best for: Immediate housing emergencies and homelessness prevention
Philadelphia Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
What they do: Help with back rent, utilities, and housing stability services
Income limit: Up to 80% of area median income
Coverage: Can cover up to 18 months of assistance
Application: Available online through the city's website
Salvation Army Emergency Services
Locations: Multiple centers across North Philly, West Philly, and Center City
Services: Emergency shelter, transitional housing, and case management
Contact: 215-787-2727
Philadelphia Housing Authority Programs
The PHA operates more programs than just traditional public housing:
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Current status: Waitlist closed but reopens periodically
Tip: Sign up for notifications about waitlist openings
Serves: All Philadelphia neighborhoods
Project-Based Vouchers
What's different: Vouchers tied to specific apartment buildings
Advantage: Often shorter wait times than traditional Section 8
Properties: Available in Germantown, North Philly, West Philly, and South Philly
Family Unification Program
Who qualifies: Families involved with DHS or youth aging out of foster care
Benefit: Expedited housing assistance
Contact: Work through your DHS caseworker
Senior Housing Specialists
If you're 55 or older, you have access to specialized resources:
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA)
Services: Housing counseling, rental assistance, and senior housing search
Contact: 215-765-9040
Locations: Centers in every neighborhood
Special programs: First-time homebuyer assistance for seniors
PHA Senior Developments
Number of properties: 28 buildings citywide
Age requirement: 55+
Notable locations: Harrison Plaza (North Philly), Sharswood Towers (Brewerytown), Angela Court (South Philly)
Amenities: Many include community rooms, on-site services, and accessible units
Federal Housing Programs
Don't overlook these nationwide programs with local Philadelphia connections:
USDA Rural Development
Coverage area: Some Philadelphia suburbs qualify
Programs: Direct loans, guaranteed loans, and rental assistance
Income limits: Varies by program and family size
Contact: Pennsylvania State Office at 717-237-2299
HUD Housing Counseling
Free service: One-on-one housing counseling
Local agencies: Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, Clarifi, NHS of South Philadelphia
Services: Credit counseling, budget planning, homebuyer education
Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH)
Who qualifies: Veterans experiencing homelessness
Benefits: Combines rental assistance with case management
Local contact: Philadelphia VA Medical Center at 215-823-5800
Community Development Corporations
These neighborhood-based organizations often have housing programs:
Nicetown Community Development Corporation
Focus area: Nicetown, Tioga, and surrounding North Philly neighborhoods
Programs: Affordable homeownership, rental properties, housing counseling
Contact: 215-329-1824
Southwest Community Development Corporation
Service area: Southwest Philadelphia
Specialty: Mixed-income housing development and first-time homebuyer programs
Contact: 215-724-1922
New Kensington Community Development Corporation
Coverage: Kensington and Fishtown areas
Focus: Affordable housing preservation and development
Programs: Homeownership counseling and rental assistance referrals
Rental Assistance Programs
Beyond the big programs, these organizations provide rental help:
Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA)
Services: Emergency rental assistance, utility assistance, weatherization
Income requirement: Varies by program
Contact: 215-609-1750
Special feature: Also helps with energy costs
Catholic Social Services
Programs: Emergency assistance, housing search help, case management
Locations: Multiple offices across all Philadelphia neighborhoods
Contact: 215-587-3600
Note: Services available regardless of religious affiliation
Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN)
What they do: Help prevent evictions and secure rental assistance
Contact: 215-722-1500
Services: Legal advice, mediation, emergency assistance
Coverage: All Philadelphia neighborhoods
Specialized Programs
These programs serve specific populations:
Action AIDS Housing
Who qualifies: People living with HIV/AIDS
Services: Transitional housing, permanent housing, supportive services
Contact: 215-981-0088
Horizon House
Focus: Adults with mental illness and intellectual disabilities
Programs: Supportive housing, independent living skills training
Contact: 215-951-0300
Philadelphia FIGHT Community Health Centers
Specialty: Housing for people with HIV/AIDS and their families
Services: Case management, housing placement, support services
Contact: 215-525-2300
Neighborhood-Specific Resources
Some resources focus on particular areas of the city:
Kensington Area
Prevention Point Philadelphia: Housing services for people in recovery
Impact Services: Emergency assistance and housing counseling
New Kensington CDC: Affordable housing development
West Philadelphia
West Philadelphia Community Development Corporation
University City Housing Corporation
Mantua Civic Association housing programs
North Philadelphia
North Philadelphia Community Development Corporation
Nicetown CDC
Tioga United housing initiatives
South Philadelphia
Neighborhood Housing Services of South Philadelphia
South Philadelphia Community Development Corporation
Pennsport Civic Association housing committee
Application Tips and Strategies
Getting connected to these resources requires some strategy:
Create a housing file with:
Recent pay stubs or income documentation
Government-issued ID
Social Security card
Birth certificates for all family members
Any disability documentation
Previous rental history and references
Apply to multiple programs simultaneously - Don't wait to hear back from one before applying to others. Many have long waiting lists, so casting a wide net increases your chances.
Stay in regular contact - Call monthly to check on application status and update any changes in your situation.
Consider temporary solutions - Transitional housing or shared housing arrangements can provide stability while you wait for permanent housing.
Getting Started Today
The key to navigating Philadelphia's affordable housing landscape is knowing where to begin. Start with these three steps:
Call 211 - This free service can connect you with immediate resources based on your specific situation and location
Visit your local library - Many branches have housing resource specialists and computer access for online applications
Contact Philadelphia Affordable Housing - We can help you navigate these options and find the best fit for your situation
Remember, finding affordable housing takes persistence, but Philadelphia has more resources than most cities. Every program listed here exists because people like you need housing assistance, and there's no shame in using these services. They're part of what makes Philadelphia a city that takes care of its residents.
Don't get discouraged if the first few programs you contact have waiting lists or aren't quite right for your situation. Keep trying, keep applying, and keep advocating for yourself. Your stable, affordable home in Philadelphia is out there – these resources will help you find it.
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