Bureau of Community Corrections
Runs the state's community corrections centers and contracted facilities where people nearing release from state prison live while they transition home. Residents receive reentry services, workshops, peer support, counseling and referrals, with specialized tracks for veterans and people in recovery. Placement is arranged through the DOC before release, not by walk-in.
HOPE Reentry & Prevention
Case management, material assistance, housing and employment referrals and weekly support groups for people returning to Allegheny County after incarceration. The organization also runs chaplaincy and pre-release programming inside the Allegheny County Jail.
Unity Recovery Philadelphia
Free recovery community organization offering one-on-one peer support, mutual aid meetings, re-entry and forensic peer support for people leaving the justice system, pregnant and postpartum recovery support, employment help and naloxone at a seven-day-a-week drop-in center. No enrollment required for meetings and activities.
Office of Homeless Services Prevention, Diversion and Intake
Entry point for Philadelphia's emergency shelter system and homelessness prevention help. Households call the InfoLine or visit a City-funded intake center; callbacks can take more than 72 hours during high volume.
Allegheny Link
Single call-in point for housing help in Allegheny County. Staff connect callers to emergency shelter and rental assistance, screen them for longer-term homeless housing programs using the Allegheny Housing Assessment, and refer households facing eviction to prevention programs.
Bethesda Mission Men's Mission
Harrisburg shelter for men needing emergency shelter or long-term recovery housing; the mission also runs a women's recovery residence, medical and dental clinics, a food bank and a mobile outreach unit. Call before arriving.
Allentown Rescue Mission Emergency Shelter
Overnight emergency shelter for men 18 and older in downtown Allentown, with meals, chapel and on-site medical care through the DeSales Clinic. Men may apply to the eight-week Transformation Program and then join the Clean Team workforce.
Community Legal Services of Philadelphia
Free civil legal help for low-income Philadelphians with public benefits, housing, employment, debt, utilities, family matters and criminal record clearing including Clean Slate expungements. Two offices, Center City and North Philadelphia.
MidPenn Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault across 18 central Pennsylvania counties including Dauphin, Cumberland, York, Lancaster and Berks. Apply by phone through the intake unit.
Division of Vital Records
Issues certified Pennsylvania birth certificates by mail, online through VitalChek, or in person at public offices. Certificates cost $20 each; online orders add a $10 service fee. Valid identification is required.
Get a Photo ID
State photo identification card for Pennsylvanians who do not drive. Submit form DL-54A by mail or at a Driver License Center with proof of identity, your Social Security card and, if 18 or older, two proofs of address; your photo is taken at the Photo Center and the card issued.
Apply for Benefits through COMPASS
Pennsylvania's application portal for SNAP, Medical Assistance, cash assistance and related programs. Apply online at COMPASS, through the myCOMPASS PA mobile app, by phone through the Statewide Customer Service Center, or in person at a County Assistance Office.
PA 211
Free, confidential information and referral line for all of Pennsylvania. Call or text to be connected to local help with housing, utilities, food, employment and other needs; a searchable directory is at search.pa211.org.
National lines that work in Pennsylvania
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.