Berks County assistance programs.

Several charities and non-profit organization in Berks County have partnered together to create assistance programs, provide resources to struggling families, and to find ways to support the local community.

The organizations joined together to begin working on programs and a financial initiative to help people increase their household incomes, get short term help with bills, refer them to government programs, and to help people save more and boost their personal assets.

Many people need more immediate help because they have lost a job or had their hours cut back, maybe they lost health insurance or have became disabled. Find information on resources and agencies.

Berks Encore. This organization is located at 40 N. 9th Street, Reading, PA (610) 374-3195. Berks Encore will provide people in need of help with referral services and information, food assistance, recreational programs, education and advocacy to help older adults achieve a better quality of life. Assistance program services offered include Meals on Wheels, counseling on prescription drug and health insurance plans, assistance with income tax preparation, and assistance with applying for both Pennsylvania and federal government benefits.

Boyertown Area Multi-Service Inc. This agency encourages the coordination of social services and programs for people of all ages in the greater Boyertown area. Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Inc offers five different core programs: an Emergency Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, The Center at Spring Street, Energy Case Management and Assistance with heating and utility bills, and Volunteer Transportation to Medical Appointments. They are located at 200 West Spring Street, Boyertown, PA 19512 (610) 367-6957.

 

 

 

Catholic Charities provides emergency assistance. Services include parish outreach and other community support services such as case management, housing and rent assistance, emergency food aid and counseling services, debt assistance, and more to help individuals and families attain self-sufficiency. Learn more on rent assistance programs. Catholic Charities is located in The Madison Building, 400 Washington Street Suite 100, Reading, PA 19601 (610) 376-7144.

Salvation Army: Reading Corps, which is headquartered at 301 South 5th Street, Reading, PA 19602, and phone number is (610) 373-5208, is an international organization that is committed to helping people in need of crisis intervention. In Reading, the Salvation Army organization provides assistance in paying everyday bills, help for meeting basic needs through energy bill or rent assistance, prescription medication, food aid and clothing distribution and disaster services. In addition, another service they offer, the Supportive Housing Program, will help disabled and homeless families find permanent solutions to their homelessness. Click here to find additional ways to get medical or hospital bill help.

 

 

Berks Community Action Program, Inc. (BCAP), located at 518 Washington Street, Reading, PA 19603 and can be reached at (610) 376-6571 is another option. BCAP provides a comprehensive array of services designed to meet the needs of the low and moderate income population across Berks County. Assistance program services provided to people in need of help include budget counseling, credit card debt assistance, weatherization and housing and rent assistance, youth mentoring, family development, and case management. More on debt help.

Pennsylvania Family Centers are another place to turn to. Call them at (610) 376-6571. These centers offer the following.

• Access health care information as well as assistance programs regarding health care services and health insurance
• Job Training and Placement
• Access training, education, employment, and job information
• Receive assistance and information on other community resources and government programs, such as well-baby care, immunizations and early intervention services
• Child Care Assistance Programs
• Language Skills