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.
Chafee Independent Living and Education and Training Grant
Pennsylvania's program for youth who were in foster care at 14 or older: county independent living services cover diploma completion, job training and placement, budgeting and daily living skills, with aftercare for those who exited care between 14 and 23. The Chafee Education and Training Grant pays up to $5,000 per academic year toward college, and state schools must waive tuition for eligible former foster youth.
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.
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.
Achieving Independence Center
Drop-in center for current and former Philadelphia foster youth ages 14 to 23. Members are matched with a coach and get help with jobs and career planning, housing referrals, GED or high school completion, college and vocational enrollment, and computer skills.
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.