Hotel vouchers are coupons or passes that cover the cost of short stays in motels or hotels. These vouchers serve as emergency housing when shelters are full, unsafe, or unavailable, and offer short-term accommodations, from a single night to several days, depending on the situation.
In Pennsylvania, hotel and motel vouchers for the homeless are primarily distributed at the county level through state-funded programs and local nonprofit organizations. Because these vouchers are typically reserved for emergencies (for example, when shelters are full or during extreme weather), availability varies by location and current funding.
Where to find Motel or Hotel Vouchers for Homeless in Pennsylvania
1. Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)
HAP is a state program that helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Part of HAP can cover stays in hotels or motels if there is no space available in a shelter.
HAP is administered by your county (all 67 counties in Pennsylvania). Each county has a phone number you can call for assistance. They can provide:
- HAP can cover hotel rooms for people experiencing permanent homelessness.
- The emergency shelter component typically covers stays of 3 to 5 nights on average, and some counties plan for longer stays depending on need.
- Counties administer these vouchers locally and may partner with nonprofit organizations and shelters.
How to apply:
- Call your county’s Homeless Assistance Program or visit the website.
- Tell them you need a hotel voucher because you are homeless or do not have a safe place to stay.
- They will ask you questions, and if funds and rooms are available, they will issue you a voucher.
Eligibility Requirements:
- You must be homeless or very close to losing your home.
- Your income must be below certain limits set by the county (often between 100% and 200% of the poverty line).
- You must provide proof of your situation (such as a shelter referral, an eviction notice, or a statement from a social worker).
Note: Hotel vouchers through the HAP are usually temporary (3 to 10 days). In special cases, you may be able to stay longer if your agency requests a waiver.
2. Call 2-1-1 or PA 211
Call 2-1-1 (toll-free, 24/7) or visit the PA 211 Homelessness Resource website. This is the fastest way to find real-time availability of hotel vouchers and emergency housing in your county. This service connects you with agencies and programs in your area that can help you with hotel vouchers or emergency housing. They can refer you to HAP offices in your county, local shelters, nonprofit organizations that may offer motel vouchers, hotlines, and intake centers.
3. Emergency Shelter Allowance (ESA)
The Pennsylvania Emergency Shelter Grant (ESA) is a Department of Human Services (DHS) program that provides up to $400 (or $300 for adults without children) to stop eviction, foreclosure, or address immediate homelessness. It is available once every 12 months to eligible households facing a housing crisis. Applications can be submitted through COMPASS or at a local County Assistance Office.
Eligibility: You must be facing an emergency (e.g., an eviction notice), meet income and resource requirements, have a child under 21, or be pregnant to qualify for the highest payment tier.
Amount: Up to $400 for families with children, up to $300 for households without children.
How to Apply: Visit the COMPASS website or contact a local County Assistance Office (CAO).
4. Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The Emergency Solutions Grant is a locally administered federal program that helps communities provide rapid rehousing, emergency shelter, street assistance, and homelessness prevention services. ESG funds can be used to pay for hotel/motel vouchers when needed.
5. Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV)
In addition to short-term stays, the Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program provides long-term rental assistance to people experiencing homelessness or at high risk. While not a traditional hotel voucher, the EHV helps people find permanent housing and is distributed through Housing Authorities and Continuing Care Programs.
Regional Resources and Organizations Offering Hotel Vouchers or Emergency Housing Resources
Many local organizations manage their own voucher programs for specific populations:
Statewide: The Salvation Army often provides emergency motel vouchers through local Corps offices (e.g., Salvation Army Tamaqua).
Montgomery County: Contact the Tu Camino a Casa Care Center at 610-278-3522.
Pittsburgh/Allegheny County: Use the Big Burgh tool or call 866-730-2368.
Philadelphia: Call the Homeless Assistance Hotline at 215-686-7177.
Schuylkill County: Servants to All offers vouchers when shelters are at capacity.
Columbia/Montour Counties: Agape offers limited support for hotel stays.
York/Adams/Cumberland: New Hope Ministries offers limited accommodation for eligible families.
Eligibility Requirements to get Hotel or Motel Vouchers
Eligibility generally includes:
- Being practically homeless (without a fixed, regular, and adequate residence for overnight stays),
- Facing imminent loss of housing due to eviction, fire, disaster, or a similar crisis,
- Meeting income requirements according to poverty guidelines (typically between 100% and 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, depending on the program).
Summary
Hotel voucher programs are a lifeline for those facing immediate homelessness in Pennsylvania. However, they must be complemented by long-term solutions, such as affordable housing initiatives, support services, and employment opportunities, to break the cycle of homelessness.
