Our Housing Counseling and Benefits Access programs strive to help adults and families achieve self-sufficiency through housing stability and financial support from benefits. The main goal of our departmental programs are to help people help themselves by:
• Empowering families with the necessary tools and resources
• Providing a holistic benefits and needs assessment
• Connecting people to programs
Depending on the client situation, the following programs and services are offered:
We know that filling out paperwork for state and city support can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help you navigate the process, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you!
The Benefits Access Center assists Philadelphia residents in achieving financial stability through enrollment in public benefits. All services and assistance is free. Contact a counselor the button below for more information.
The process begins with a screening for local, state, and federal benefits based on household size and income. If eligible, our counselors assist with application completion and the subsequent follow up to ensure enrollment for:
Utility Assistance
• CAP (PECO)
• CRP (PGW)
• TAP (PWD)
• LIHEAP/CRISIS (NOV – MAR)
• UESF (PECO, PGW, PWD shutoff issues)
• Weatherization
Unlock the path to homeownership and financial stability with our comprehensive Housing Benefits program. At GPCA, we offer a suite of resources designed to empower homeowners and prospective buyers alike. Our program includes crucial services like eviction prevention, credit and budget counseling, and property tax and rent rebates to ease your financial burden. From mortgage foreclosure mitigation to essential housing counseling and rental assistance, we’re here to support your journey every step of the way. Join us in accessing invaluable workshops on first-time home buying and down payment assistance, ensuring you have the tools you need for a secure and thriving future in your home.
Housing Public Benefits
(Available through our Benefits Access Center)
• Property Tax & Rent Rebate (PTTR) - Ends Dec 31st yearly
• Property Tax Free
• Homestead Exemption
• LOOP
Housing Education & Support
• Housing Counseling
• Mortgage foreclosure mitigation
• Credit and Budget Counseling: Evaluating and assessing the client’s financial situation through credit and budget counseling
• Foreclosure Prevention: Educating and assisting homeowners in determining the most feasible options to save their homes from foreclosure
• Eviction Prevention: Assist with preventing eviction through funding sources (when available) and landlord-tenant mediation
• First-Time Home Buyers: Provide workshops to discuss the home buying process and counseling to assist clients with navigating their purchase.
• Post-Purchase Counseling: Assisting home buyers with maintaining and stabilizing their homes.
First Time Home Buyers Workshop
In this workshop we discuss the home buying process and offer counseling to assist clients with navigating their purchase. We also offer access to down payment assistance and resources after attending the course.
The FTHB (First-Time Homebuyer) must complete the webinar/workshop before scheduling their appointment.
Seminar and Workshop Schedule:
January 18th – 1:00 to 5:00 on ZOOM
February 3rd – 10:00 to 2:00 in-person
February 15th –1:00 to 5:00 on ZOOM
March 21st –1:00 to 5:00 on ZOOM
April 6th – 10:00 to 2:00 in-person
April 18th – 1:00 to 5:00 on ZOOM
May 16th – 1:00 to 5:00 on ZOOM
June 1st –10:00 to 2:00 in-person
June 20th –1:00 to 5:00 on ZOOM
Location: TBD
Cost
Free
Locations
Dixon House
1920 S. 20th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: 215-336-3511
ADA Accessible
Houston Center
2029 S. 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Phone: 215- 468-1645
Walk In Hours: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments available by request
