Rent and Utility Assistance From Family Promise of Berks County
Family Promise of Berks County runs a Rent & Utility Assistance Program that offers emergency financial assistance to help families facing eviction or utility shut-off stay in their homes. That help is on hold right now: the organization is not accepting applications for Rent & Utility Assistance for individuals and families at this time.
While applications are closed, Family Promise points people to three other agencies: Berks Community Action Program, the Human Relations Commission, or the Salvation Army Reading Citadel. No reopening date is given. For immediate help, the site says to dial 211.
When the program is taking applications, it helps Berks County residents avoid eviction or utility shut-off with short-term financial support and guidance. Money can go toward rent arrears to prevent an eviction and toward utility bills to prevent a shut-off. Assistance is typically provided as a one-time support, though staff can discuss your situation and explore additional resources if needed. If you are approved, staff also work with you on a plan for maintaining housing stability.
To qualify, applicants must have lived in Berks County for at least 90 days, meet Federal Income Guidelines, be facing eviction or utility shut-off, and demonstrate the ability to regain self-sufficiency with temporary assistance. The income figures are not printed on the page. All properties must pass a Housing Habitability Standards inspection and a Lead-Based Paint inspection, and rent must be reasonable and within Fair Market Rate.
The documents the program asks for are: - Eviction notice or utility shut-off notice - Identification for all household members, with birth certificates for children - Proof of residence - Verification of income - Signed lease agreement - For rent assistance, a copy of the court-ordered eviction notice and proof of rent arrears - For utility assistance, a copy of the utility shut-off notice and a current utility bill verifying address and account holder
The listed way to apply is in person at the Day Center at 325 N. 5th Street, Reading, PA, where no appointment is necessary, or by calling. Staff provide the application form and discuss the required documentation, then assess your situation to determine eligibility. Processing times can vary, and staff work to assess your application promptly and inform you of the outcome as soon as possible. There is no cost to apply.
The Day Center's hours are not listed. For questions, including whether applications have reopened, the general number for Family Promise of Berks County is (610) 373-3323 and the email is familypromiseberks@comcast.net.
Source: familypromiseofberks.org/our-programs/rent-and-utility-as…, read October 3, 2026.
The details
- Eviction notice or utility shut-off notice
- Identification for all household members (birth certificates for children)
- Proof of residence
- Verification of income
- Signed lease agreement
- Copy of court-ordered eviction notice
- Proof of rent arrears
- Copy of utility shut-off notice
- Current utility bill verifying address and account holder
In Family Promise of Berks County’s words
Family Promise of Berks County offers emergency financial assistance to help families facing eviction or utility shut-off stay in their homes. The Rent & Utility Assistance Program helps Berks County residents avoid eviction or utility shut-off by offering short-term financial support and compassionate guidance. When families are at risk of losing their housing or essential services, we step in to stabilize the situation quickly. Through in-person support at our Day Center, we assess each…
Organization
Family Promise of Berks County
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This listing summarizes publicly available information from familypromiseofberks.org/our-programs/rent-and-utility-as…. Last recorded review: October 3, 2026. Contact the provider to confirm eligibility, hours and availability before you go. If something here is wrong, tell us.