ACCESSING SERVICES

The Clinton County Housing Coalition is an active partner in the Eastern PA Continuum of Care’s “Connect to Home” Coordinated Entry System. If you are experiencing homelessness, are at imminent risk of becoming homeless, or are fleeing/attempting to flee domestic violence, DIAL 2-1-1 or TEXT your zip code to 898-211 to be connected to a Coordinated Entry Specialist who will assess your housing needs. Our Care Navigators continually monitor this system for referrals to CCHC programs.

A walk-in Access Site is available at the STEP Office, 124 E. Walnut St., Lock Haven, PA, 17745. OR at the Veteran’s Multi-Service Center (veterans only) at 8 N. Grove St., Lock Haven, PA, 17745.

LIFE CENTER & MERIT HOUSE SHELTERS

The Life Center provides short-term temporary shelter service for individuals and families who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless. Life intakes are scheduled during business hours. 

The Merit House provides drop-in style overnight shelter for single men. Merit House intakes are completed every night between 6:00pm – 8:00pm. 

Following the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Develpment’s (HUD) “Housing First” model, CCHC shelters operate on a little to no barrier approach. Clients are moved as quickly as possible into permanent housing followed by individualized care navigation services that assist them in overcoming barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.

CARE NAVIGATION

Care Navigation is a key component offered to clients particpating in CCHC’s shelter or rental assistance programs. Care Navigation is a way for our staff to help support clients from a person-centered approach to gain access to other social services that are both needed or wanted in order to obtain and maintain permannt housing. Clients are eligible for Care Naviagtion services for up to twelve months.

Care Navigation services include but are not limited to:

  • Obtaining & Maintaining Housing
  • Connections to local agencies assisting with job search and workplace training
  • Connecting clients to local mental health counseling services
  • Connections to addictions counseling
  • Connections to County Assistance Office for health care and SNAP benefits
  • Obtaining identity documents
  • Monthly budgeting sessions

RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

The Clinton County Housing Coalition administers a variety of rental assistance programs including:

 

  • Emergency Solutions Grant
  • Continuum of Care Grant
  • United Way 
  • Homeless Assistance Program (HAP)
  • PHARE – PA Housing Affordability & Rehabilition Enhancement 

These programs generally assist a household with cost related to move-in and short-term rental assistance. Each household receives individualized rental assistance; meaning a household may receive a different level of assistance compared to another. Eligibility criteria for each program varies in requirements and guidelines. Assistance is not guaranteed. To see if you are eligible, refer to the “Accessing Services” portion of this page. 

LIFE CENTER SHELTER

MERIT HOUSE SHELTER

Local Resources