Homelessness in PA

Homeless Information in Pennsylvania

There are Homelessness contacts throughout PA that can help.

Homelessness continues to be an issue in many communities across the Commonwealth – a problem that is not just an urban issue but also can be found in the most rural of counties. On any given day, over 15,000 Pennsylvanians are known to be homeless and in the Balance of State areas, the more rural regions over 8,000 individuals including children were experiencing homelessness either being on the streets, doubled up with family or friends, or in shelters. For many this is a nighttime occurrence and one that is not easily resolved on their own.

DCED administers Emergency Solutions grant funds that support homeless services and facilities across Pennsylvania. Priority is given to the non-entitlement municipalities of the state, all areas may apply for funding. During 2011 (Second Allocation) – 2013 program year the ESG funding was awarded to 36 rapid rehousing programs, 13 homeless prevention programs, 27 shelters and one outreach program throughout the state. Additional services and facilities are funded directly by the direct entitlement jurisdictions with their own ESG funding.

HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program funds services and programs across Pennsylvania as well and DCED is the Collaborative Applicant for the four Balance of State CoCs, though not involved in the decision making process for these funds. Many of these services and facilities coordinate or assist with those funded with ESG.

In addition to the federal funding, the Commonwealth has a number of programs through the Department of Human Services to aid in addressing the needs of the Homeless. The ones most often leveraged with ESG funding in Pennsylvania Transition to HOME program (PATH), Housing Assistance Program (HAP), and SOAR.

Current Point- In –Time (PIT) Count
Continuum of Care
Homelessness Program Coordination Committee/ Interagency Council

A statewide committee, comprised of the public agencies, housing and service providers, and stakeholders of the homeless community, to serve as the working body for the state’s Interagency Council on Homelessness (Pennsylvania Housing Advisory Committee (PHAC)). The HPC replaces the previous Homeless Steering Committee for overseeing broader planning responsibilities and coordination of all resources of the state in a manner to best serve the homeless population. The HPC Committee will be able to identify those statewide policies for assisting homeless people, recommend the resources to eradicate homelessness conditions, and propose action steps to the PHAC so the Commonwealth may effectively assist the homeless population in gaining stability and limit its effect on the lives of homeless individuals and families.

Membership List

Training Materials and Recordings

Use the PA Homeless Management Information System for quick links to view our Publications and Document Library, as well as Training Materials and Recordings.

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