Housing & Rental Assistance Programs
Housing Assistance
A number of agencies in the area provide housing assistance, as well as information and referral services to residents:
- If you have no place to live and are in need of temporary emergency shelter you should contact Housing Transitions, Inc. at 814-237-5508.
- People seeking low-income or government-subsidized housing, should contact the Housing Authority of Centre County at 814-355-6750.
- Centre County Women's Resource Center operates a shelter for women and children who need a safe place to stay. For more information, call 814-234-5050 or toll free 877-234-5050.
For more information, contact the Community Development and Housing Division at 814-234-7109 or email the Division.
Rental Assistance
Currently, the State College Borough does not offer rental assistance however, the following charities and organizations may be able to help with rental assistance on a case-by-case basis.
- Centre Helps (814) 235-7615
- Salvation Army (814) 861-1785
- St. Vincent DePaul Society (814) 867-3131
- Office of Adult Services (814) 355-6768
- PA 211 Dial 211
Rent Subsidy Programs
The Section 8 Program is a rent subsidy program administered locally by the Centre County Housing Authority. To qualify for this program, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:
You must be an individual 62 years of age or older, an individual who is handicapped or disabled (two or more individuals related by blood or marriage may qualify).
Families with children are eligible as well. Single, non-disabled or elderly adults can apply but cannot be served until all disabled, handicapped and elderly singles have been offered housing; your family income must be within established income limits.
Under the Section 8 Program, a portion of your monthly rent will be paid directly to the landlord by the Housing Authority. You may stay where you are currently living or you may move anywhere in Centre County as long as the unit meets housing quality standards and rent limits, and the landlord agrees to participate in the Section 8 Program.
Contact the Centre County Housing Authority for Section 8 application information 814-355-6750.
Emergency Assistance
If you have lost your food or clothing or shelter because of a fire, flood or other natural disaster, you can contact the Centre Communities Chapter of the American Red Cross. The Red Cross also provides emergency assistance for servicemen/women and their families. To contact the Red Cross, call 814-237-3162.
State College Shelters and Inclusionary Housing Properties Map
Landlord-Tenant Issues
Although the Borough does not specialize, in landlord-tenant conflict or eviction matters, the Borough frequently works with the Center for Alternatives in Community Justice for mediation Services.