Experiencing a Housing Predicament?

Find shelters, rooms, and homes in Lebanon County

It is no secret that finding housing is tough - especially when managing a criminal history.

I am not going to lie - housing is not an easy subject to tackle. Across the country, and even all over the globe, we are experiencing a housing crisis. While Lebanon, PA is no different, we are taking action. In recognizing the issue of homelessness will not go away without making changes, Lebanon has initiated the expansion of the Agape Safe Haven expansion project. This new shelter project will revolutionize supportive housing in our community. A lot can be said about Lebanon, but one thing is for sure, the community is making a big effort towards creating a supportive community with new opportunities for everyone. Despite the housing struggles we face as a country, Lebanon offers financial assistance, shelter, supportive housing, rooms, and low cost living options.

Shelters

Fighting The Unnecessary Stigma of Homelessness and Shelters

When facing homelessness, a person needs more than a roof over their head. Lebanon County shelters are directed by compassionate, trauma-informed providers who work to create safe environments that promote recovery and resilience. Case managers are there to meet every need, whether that is employment support, budgeting and personal finance, recovery from substance dependence, it can be addressed. The people who run the shelters set the tone, and here in Lebanon, we like to create a supportive atmosphere. While living in a shelter can represent the toughest time in a person’s or family’s life, many people also see it as a turning point to success. There should not be a stigma, because moving into a shelter can be a catalyst for positive change, a source of pride.

Supportive Living

Addiction can weigh a person down. Addiction and homelessness can be unrelenting.

Herkey Houses was developed to serve as a safe place for people suffering from substance dependency and need a respite.

Very much a home style living experience, Herkey Houses creates a semi structured environment in a communal living space. Living here is a great step in achieving independence without being alone.

Looking for a place to call home?

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The following property managers and landlords provided their policies regarding tenant applicants with criminal histories. Some of them have properties all over Pennsylvania, so click on the logo to find available rentals, and scroll through.

Denotes the agency does NOT accept CAP funds.

Brick Property Services 

  • do criminal background checks

  • there is no blanket policy

  • decisions are made on a case by case basis

Call: 717-274-2577

Bold Property Management

  • efforts are made to work with people with criminal histories

  • do conduct criminal background checks

  • automatic denials are incurred for people convicted of sex offences

  • any other felony cases should not have taken place within 6 months

  • final decisions will be made on a case by case basis

Call: 484-651-1055

Sound Management / Lebanon Court Apartments

  • efforts are made to work with people with criminal histories

  • misdemeanor crimes do not impact eligibility

  • felony crimes are reviewed if occurred within 5 years

  • sex offenses and child related crimes are scrutinized for potential safety risks

The Lebanon Court Apartments are located at 1102 Jackson Blvd.

Call: 717-973-8757

Levco Property Management

  • honesty is key- will work with people being released from jail

  • upon release – a family member must be willing to co-sign the lease

  • background checks are completed, but all cases are considered

Call: 717-450-3322

Trademark Property Management

  • If the tenant is approved otherwise – all cases will be considered

  • All cases are reviewed and considered

  • Crimes of a violent nature – within the last 7 years are scrutinized

  • Tenants are checked on the sex offender registry

Call: 717- 947-3900

Home365 Property Management

  • Background checks go back 6 years

  • For people with criminal histories within 6 years, a determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and discussion with the landlord.

  • Every case is considered.

Call: 1-800-837-0037

If you have experience with one of the places listed on this page, please share your thoughts with us!

Review one of the Shelters:

Men's Rescue Mission, Fresh Start, Jubilee

Review Herkey House

Review One of the Properties Listed Above:

ADD THIS PLACE TO YOUR LIST!!!

Are you aware of a place that should be added to any of our lists? We want to know!

Be in the Know

- when it comes to finding your next home….

While potential landlords and property managers are allowed to conduct criminal background checks and make approval decisions based on the outcomes, there are some practices that are considered discriminatory and are therefore illegal, such as:

Will expunging my record help?

  • Discouraging people of certain races from applying, citing a criminal background policy

  • Only doing criminal background screenings for people of certain races

  • Using a ‘blanket ban’, excluding everyone with a criminal record from housing

  • Using arrest records to exclude a potential tenant from housing

  • Refusing to make reasonable accommodation, or change in screening policy for a prospective tenant with a disability, whose record is related to their disability.

When getting a lease or a job, it might. BUT it is important to remember a few things. Expungements are not the only option, records can also be sealed, and pardons can be sought. Each process is different, and legal guidance is recommended. Seek free guidance from MidPen Legal Services at 717-274-2834. Don’t do it alone.