Finding Housing as a Young Adult
Resources for young people facing housing instability
Housing instability is more common among young adults in Philadelphia than most people talk about. Whether you're couch-surfing, in a shelter, aging out of foster care, or facing family conflict, there are real resources designed specifically for young people. This guide explains your options and how to access them.
Practical next steps
Know that you're not alone — and that help exists
Young adults between 18–24 are one of the most common groups experiencing housing instability. Philadelphia has several programs specifically for this age group — not just adult shelters, but youth-specific programs that understand the unique situation of young people.
Contact Covenant House Pennsylvania first
Covenant House is the most comprehensive youth housing organization in Philadelphia. They provide emergency shelter, transitional housing, education, employment support, and case management for youth up to age 24. They're open 24/7 at 31 East Armat Street, Germantown. Call 215-951-5411. No appointment needed for emergency shelter.
Know the types of housing programs available
(1) Emergency shelter — immediate, short-term (days to weeks). (2) Transitional housing — medium-term (months to 2 years) with intensive support services. (3) Rapid Rehousing — helps young adults move quickly into their own apartment with time-limited rental assistance. (4) Permanent Supportive Housing — long-term housing for youth with disabilities or complex needs.
Reach out to Project HOME
Project HOME provides transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and outreach services for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia. They work with young adults and have outreach workers on the streets. Call 215-232-7272.
If you're aging out of foster care
Philadelphia has specific programs for youth aging out of foster care. The Philadelphia DHS Independent Living Program provides housing support, life skills training, and case management for youth transitioning from foster care. Contact DHS at 215-683-6100. You may be entitled to extended foster care support up to age 21.
If you're facing family conflict or youth homelessness
If family conflict (including LGBTQ+ family rejection) is causing housing instability, contact Covenant House, Valley Youth House, or the William Way Community Center. These organizations understand this specific situation and do not require family involvement to access services.
Use 2-1-1 for immediate housing referrals
Call or text 2-1-1 from any phone in Pennsylvania. Available 24/7. They can tell you which shelters and housing programs have immediate availability right now.
Know your legal rights as a young adult in housing
At 18, you are a legal adult and can sign a lease, apply for housing assistance, and access services independently without parental consent. At 17, some programs still serve you — call ahead to confirm age requirements.
Start building toward stable housing
Emergency shelter is a starting point, not an ending point. Transitional housing programs help you build income, savings, and the skills to move into your own place. Every program should have a plan for what comes next. If they don't ask about your long-term goals, you ask them.
Resource starting points
- 2-1-1 Pennsylvania
Call or text 2-1-1 for immediate housing referrals — available 24/7.
- HUD Youth Homelessness Resources
Federal resources on youth homelessness including rights and program types.
Organizations featured in this guide
- Covenant House Pennsylvania
Comprehensive youth housing — emergency shelter, transitional housing, education and employment support for youth up to 24. Open 24/7.
- Project HOME
Transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and street outreach for people experiencing homelessness in Philadelphia.
- ACHIEVEability
Transitional housing programs for families and individuals working toward economic self-sufficiency.
- Valley Youth House
Youth housing and support services including LGBTQ+-affirming emergency shelter and transitional programs.
- 2-1-1 Pennsylvania
24/7 helpline — call or text 2-1-1 for immediate housing referrals and emergency shelter availability.
Helpful things to know
Call 215-951-5411 for immediate shelter
Covenant House is open 24/7. If you need shelter tonight, they are the place to call first.
Bring your documents if you have them
Bring whatever ID and documents you have — birth certificate, Social Security card, school records. But don't let missing documents stop you from seeking help. Programs work with youth who have nothing.
Transitional housing is more than a bed
The best transitional housing programs offer case management, job training, educational support, and mental health services. Look for programs that offer the full picture.
Common questions
Can I get housing assistance if I'm under 18?
Yes, but the process is different. Covenant House and Valley Youth House serve youth under 18. Under 18, programs often involve coordination with DHS and may require parental notification in some situations. Call ahead and explain your situation.
Do I have to be sober to access shelter?
Most youth shelters in Philadelphia (including Covenant House) do not require sobriety to access emergency shelter. However, substance use on-site is typically not permitted. If substance use is a significant part of your situation, ask about programs with integrated recovery support.
What if I have a child?
Covenant House and several transitional housing programs accept young parents with children. Call ahead to confirm family-specific availability. Also see the Young Parents & Child Care guide.