Homelessness is not just a lack of shelter — it’s a crisis that affects health, safety, and human dignity. In York County, many families, individuals, and seniors find themselves without stable housing due to job loss, domestic violence, medical emergencies, or rising living costs.
At York County Human Services, our mission is to break the cycle of homelessness through targeted, compassionate, and results-driven programs. We don’t just offer temporary shelter — we build long-term pathways to stability and independence.
Understanding Homelessness in York County
Who Experiences Homelessness?
Homelessness can affect:
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Families with children
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Individuals with mental health or substance challenges
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Seniors living on fixed incomes
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Survivors of domestic abuse
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Veterans returning from service
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Youth aging out of foster care
Our programs are designed to meet each group’s unique needs.
Key Challenges We Address
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Lack of affordable housing
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Sudden loss of income
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Displacement due to domestic violence
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Medical issues without insurance
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Mental illness without consistent treatment
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Lack of family or social support
These root causes are tackled holistically through York County’s integrated housing services.
Emergency Shelter and Crisis Housing
When someone is in immediate danger of being without a roof, emergency shelters provide a safe and temporary place to stay.
Key features of our shelter program:
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24/7 access to shelter during crises
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On-site support staff and social workers
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Basic hygiene, food, and medical care
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Referrals to longer-term housing and treatment programs
We collaborate with local nonprofits and churches to ensure shelter beds are available year-round.
Transitional Housing Support
Helping Families Rebuild Step-by-Step
For those who need more time to get back on their feet, transitional housing provides a stable environment for up to 24 months.
Services offered during this period:
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Career training and resume support
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Rental responsibility education
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Parenting workshops
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Weekly goal-setting meetings with caseworkers
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Access to behavioral health services
Transitional programs focus not just on housing — but on growth, education, and empowerment.
Permanent Housing Solutions
Rapid Rehousing for Individuals and Families
York County’s Rapid Rehousing program is ideal for those experiencing short-term homelessness.
Program features:
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Rental assistance for 3–12 months
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Move-in cost coverage
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Landlord mediation and legal support
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Financial coaching and job placement
This model works fast — helping individuals return to stability while developing the tools for self-sufficiency.
Permanent Supportive Housing
For individuals with long-term disabilities or chronic homelessness, permanent supportive housing offers both rental support and intensive case management.
These services include:
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Daily check-ins from care teams
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Medication and appointment reminders
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Mental health counseling
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Community integration support
This approach reduces ER visits, arrests, and hospital stays while greatly improving quality of life.
Real-Life Impact: Lisa’s Story
Lisa, a 39-year-old mother of two, was evicted after losing her job during a medical emergency. She found temporary shelter through a York County partner agency, and within weeks was placed into a transitional housing unit. With counseling, job support, and rent assistance, Lisa secured a full-time job and moved into a private apartment six months later.
Her children are now thriving in school, and Lisa volunteers on weekends to support other women in similar situations.
Additional Housing Assistance Services
York County Human Services also provides:
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Eviction Prevention Support: Mediation, legal aid, and emergency rent payments
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Security Deposit Loans: One-time grants for deposit and first-month rent
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Utility Assistance: Preventing shut-offs during difficult months
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Housing Navigation: Help locating affordable units and completing applications
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Veteran Housing Services: Through coordination with VA and VASH programs
These wraparound supports help keep people housed once they’ve secured shelter.
How to Apply or Refer Someone
To get help for yourself or refer someone in need:
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Call our Housing Assistance Line at [Insert Number]
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Visit our Housing Services page to fill out an intake form
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Walk into a local shelter or community center during open hours
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Request help through any of our public assistance programs
All inquiries are confidential, and services are provided without discrimination.
Homelessness can happen to anyone — but with the right support, recovery is possible. At York County Human Services, we believe housing is a human right, and our programs are built to provide more than just shelter — they offer hope, healing, and a new start.
