Utility, heating, and energy bill assistance is provided by the HeatShare program. The Salvation Army provides Pennsylvania families assistance with paying utility bills from that program and limited amounts of cash assistance. The program is targeted at those households that have received a disconnection notice from their energy company. Their social service caseworkers help families and individuals pay their utility and electric bills in order to get through an emergency crisis. A phone line has been set up to take requests and applications, and that number is 1-800-842-7279.
Salvation Army housing and rent assistance programs can be used in an emergency. In general, applicants will need to be close to eviction (or have a pay or quit notice) and just need a little financial help. As the Pennsylvania Salvation Army may have limited funding to pay for back rent, if the applicant has longer term ability to maintain their home or apartment. The Salvation Army uses government funds as well as donations.