Lancaster Local Assistance Programs

This page lists local organizations in Lancaster, Pennsylvania that provide free legal help, food and social services. Statewide programs are described on the Pennsylvania page.

Legal aid

MidPenn Legal Services provides free civil legal services to low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Lancaster County and 17 other counties in central Pennsylvania. Help covers housing, family law, domestic violence, public benefits, employment, and consumer issues. Apply by calling 800-326-9177 or through the Lancaster office.¹

The Lancaster Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service matches people with member attorneys in Lancaster County. The Lancaster Law Foundation, the bar association charitable partner, funds public interest projects and pro bono service.²

Food

Water Street Mission runs a choice-based community food pantry at its 12 and 1 Center. Anyone from the community can come for groceries once a week, with one member of each household attending. Bring a form of identification to register.³

The Crispus Attucks Food Pantry at the Crispus Attucks Community Center offers fresh and shelf-stable groceries twice each month through a participant-choice model. Appointments are required and can be scheduled online; walk-ins are welcome at 5:00 PM on pantry days. No ID or paystub is required.⁴

Social services

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County is the county’s largest anti-poverty organization, with programs that interrupt generational poverty and support families at every age and place in life. Its work spans early education, health and nutrition, household stability, and safety and empowerment.⁵

Tenfold, formed when Tabor Community Services and the Lancaster Housing Opportunity Partnership combined, helps neighbors facing homelessness, eviction, or a first home purchase, with housing counseling, budgeting help, and shelter at its Transitional Living Center.⁶