Help in Pennsylvania
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 26 places in Pennsylvania, most of them in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (13) and leaving homelessness (13).
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.
Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline
Philadelphia's citywide domestic violence line, answered around the clock by advocates who provide crisis support, safety planning and referrals to emergency housing, legal services and behavioral health care. Calls are free and confidential.
Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
Emergency shelter, legal advocacy, individual therapy, children's counseling, substance use recovery counseling and support groups for adults and children leaving domestic violence in the Pittsburgh area. Reach a trained advocate first by phone, text or web chat.
YWCA Greater Harrisburg
Crisis and counseling services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Dauphin, Cumberland and Perry counties, plus free civil legal representation for survivors who cannot afford an attorney and emergency housing for trafficking survivors.
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.
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.
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.
Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Statewide coalition of Pennsylvania's local domestic violence programs. Its find-help page routes survivors to the 24-hour hotline and to a directory of county programs offering shelter, counseling, legal and economic help; PA Safe Law connects survivors with free attorneys for civil matters.
Turning Point of Lehigh Valley
Domestic and intimate partner abuse program for Lehigh and Northampton counties with a 24-hour helpline, emergency safe house, empowerment counseling and groups, legal advocacy, medical advocacy and youth services.
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.
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.
National lines that work in Pennsylvania
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
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.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.