Housing and food insecurity touch the lives of countless Philadelphians every day.

There are numerous organizations throughout the city working to ensure that Philadelphians have a safe place to live and nutritious food. Below is a list of housing and free or low-cost food resources.

Affordable Housing Resources

These resources help Philadelphians find low-cost housing options and organizations that provide financial assistance to pay rent and mortgage.

  • Philly Tenant’s website hosts a variety of resources including rental and eviction assistance, right to counsel, and information about subsidies available to homeowners.
  • Save Your Home Philly is a foreclosure prevention program. This free program is staffed by legal professionals who can provide case management and connect you to various legal services available to low-income homeowners. You can reach them by calling their hotline at (215)-334-4663.
  • The low income housing search tool compiles lists of affordable housing options across the city. The properties include HUD listings, public housing, and nonprofit funded housing for seniors.
  • The Pennsylvania Homeowners Association Fund provides assistance to help Pennsylvanians pay their mortgage and cover housing-related expenses. The program reopened and is accepting applications.

Utility Assistance and Home Repairs

Find financial assistance for utilities and home repairs.

  • Energy Coordinating Agency provides free home repairs such as weatherization services and heater repairs. In addition, they operate sixteen Neighborhood Energy Centers which serve as a one-stop-shop for community members to learn about utility bill assistance programs, budget counseling, and home repair services.
  • UESF provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families who are facing utility terminations or those who have had their utilities turned off. To find out if you qualify for their services, please call UESF at (215)-814-6837.
  • The Philadelphia Water Department runs a water bill assistance program for low-income and senior Philadelphians. You can apply online and the Water Department will let you know which of the programs you’re eligible for will offer you the lowest bill.
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides Pennsylvanians with cash grants to help them pay their heating bills. LIHEAP grants range from $300 to $1000, depending on household size, income, and fuel type.
  • Restore, Repair, Renew is an initiative to help Philadelphia homeowners access low-interest loans to invest in their properties. Eligible repairs include roof repairs, sidewalk resurfacing, window replacement, and more!
  • Community Legal Services provide free civil legal assistance to low-income Philadelphians. They offer a variety of housing-related services including assistance with mortgages, subsidized housing, and home repairs.

Food & Nutrition

Philadelphians can get free or low-cost food in the city at these resources.

  • Phila.gov/food, the City’s free food and meals finder, lists food pantries, free meal sites, and public benefits support throughout Philadelphia. Depending on the site, people may receive pre-packed boxes of food, their choice of food from a pantry or community fridge, or a pre-prepared meal. The site also includes hundreds of free Summer Meal sites for youth up to age 18.
  • Philadelphia Corporation for the Aging runs multiple food programs where seniors can receive 5-7 free meals per week. This program aims to provide nutritious meals and regular contact with older adults. You can request services by calling their hotline at (215)-765-9040.
  • Meals America offers free meals to eligible seniors on a weekly basis. Meals can be customized to dietary needs like a low sodium diet. To learn if you are eligible for their no-cost food program, please call their hotline at (215) 399-5676.
  • To find free Summer meals, text “FOOD” or “COMIDA” to 304-304 and get a text back with the closest free summer meal sites for youth up to age 18.
  • PACE Center at PASSI operates a SNAP Hotline where you can receive help applying for SNAP benefits. Their services are available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, and Mandarin. You can reach their hotline by calling (215)-572-1234 ext 145.

Public Benefits

The following resources include information on how to directly apply for public benefits or about groups that help people apply for benefits.

  • Pennsylvanians can apply online to the Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). The program serves pregnant people, breastfeeding people up to one year postpartum, people up to six months post-partum who are not breastfeeding, and children under 5 years old.
  • Compass PA is an online tool to apply for a variety of health and human services benefits in Pennsylvania. Resources include food assistance, housing assistance, cash assistance, and childcare resources.
  • BenePhilly offers free one-on-one support to Philadelphians looking to apply for public benefits. This program helps people apply to multiple programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicare, Medicaid, the Homestead Exemption, and more.
  • Social Workers hold office hours in more than 15 neighborhood libraries helping Philadelphians find, navigate, and connect to community and government agencies. You can visit social workers in person or by phone at (215)-814-4492.
  • PDPH Resource Hub Program operates resource hubs across the city that offer free services to residents on a regular basis. Each resource hub is staffed by public health professionals and staff members who are familiar with City Programs who can help visitors connect with services not offered onsite.
  • CRiSOL connects the Latino community of Philadelphia with a variety of resources including public health services, housing services, and medical services.
For more information contact the Office of Homeless Services' Food Unit.