About Us
Venango County Human Services Housing Department provides many programs and services for Venango County residents. We offer assistance with minor home modifications, rent, shelter, utilities, and other programs focused on keeping families in a safe home.
The housing department also may be able to assist qualified residents with furnace repairs to ensure they have a properly working heating source. The Department of Energy annually determines the crisis season for utility assistance, which typically runs from November through April. See Liheap below.
Housing Assistance Program (HAP)
Funding for families or individuals who are homeless or given an eviction notice. The funding is only used for the cost of rent. Individuals must be a resident of Venango County and meet the 125% poverty income guidelines. HAP assistance may only be used every three years.
Application Process is required so the family or individual must meet with the housing case manager to complete the application process. You will need to bring with you:
- Identification
- Household income verification (pay stubs, bank statements, Social Security letter)
- Eviction notice from the landlord
Emergency Solutions Grant
Funding for families or individuals who are homeless or given and eviction notice. This funding is used for rent only. Family or individual must meet with a housing case manager to complete the application process and determine eligibility.
Other Community Supports
Community Services of Venango County manages a Permanent Supportive Housing Program (SHP).
If you do not qualify for our programs, you can refer to the USDA for additional home repair programs.
LIHEAP (Crisis)
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
Additional Resources
Insulation Institute
Visit the Insulation Institute website and click "I'm A Homeowner" for home insulation basics that can help save money on heating and cooling.
Energy.gov
Find weatherization tips, information on saving electricity and fuel, and more on from the U.S. Department of Energy.
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has resources to help keep Pennsylvanians warm throughout the winter.
$1 Energy Fund
If you live outside of Philadelphia, visit the $1 Energy Fund website, or contact your utility company for information on programs that could help you pay your bill.
Utility Emergency Services Fund
If you live in Philadelphia, visit the Utility Emergency Services Fund website or call 215-972-5170 for information on a program that could help you pay your utility bill.
Federal Housing Resources
USDA Grant
- For residents ages 60 or older
- To be used for repairs
- Up to $7500 grant
USDA Loan
- For residents under the age of 60
- For repairs
- 1% or 2% loans
Federal Housing Resources
USDA Grant
- For residents ages 60 or older
- To be used for repairs
- Up to $7500 grant
USDA Loan
- For residents under the age of 60
- For repairs
- 1% or 2% loans
Contact the USDA
Rural Development Website
226 Donohoe Road, Suite 201
Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724-853-5555