Rental assistance programs
- Many renters are facing eviction, or need a little help to stay current with their monthly rent payments. The community action agency also can provide assistance to families and individuals with paying their first month's rent and / or a security deposit. There are some program constraints. For example, at most they will pay up to $750 - maximum is $1000 every two years to applicants without children. If you have a child and family, the maximum amount of aid provided will be $1500 every two years. Also note that checks are mailed directly to the landlord in Erie County Pennsylvania. The amount of rent assistance is subject to a client fee determined by the applicants total household monthly income and also the rent/security deposit being requested.
Weatherization and the Warm Program
- The purpose of these two services is to help people lower their heating and utility bills. It is a free program in which qualified families receive energy conserving improvements to their home. The goal to provide energy efficient improvements to both eligible renters and owners who live within the County of Erie.
- The Weatherization program will make a client's home more energy efficient, comfortable, and safer to live in. After applying, the client's dwelling will be assessed by a professional. An audit is performed on the home or apartment in accordance with industry standards to determine the best possible solution to help someone conserve energy. Some of the energy conserving measures taken include weather-stripping, replacement of broken glass or windows, caulking, floor and attic insulation, and furnace inspection and replacement. More on Pennsylvania weatherization.
- The WARM program is a free weatherization and energy education program that is run just for GPU Energy's residential customers.
Find help in Erie for paying utility and heating bills
There are three different resources and programs that people can turn to for electric bill help. They include:
- Neighbor for neighbor heat fund - This is a local Erie County community program that provides financial assistance and cash grants for resolving heating emergencies to the elderly, senior citizens, persons with a disability, and families and individuals with a certified medical condition. If you apply and qualify for aid, eligible individuals can receive up to a maximum $300 per calendar year to pay for overdue heating, gas, or electric bills, to repair heating equipment, or to purchase fuel.
- GPU Dollar Energy Fund - This program is just for GPU energy customers. The fund was created for people who have become behind on their payments due to an emergency situation (such as a loss of employment, illness, medical emergency, divorce). A one time payment will be provided.
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP) - This is the general name for a counseling and assistance program. CAP provides case management, information, access to government programs and assistance to assist local utility customers who have become payment-troubled in their energy and/ or heating accounts due to emergency situations or a short term hardship.
Contact the Greater Erie Community Action Committee at (814) 459-4581.
Free Primary Medical and Dental Care
St. Paul’s Neighborhood - The organization runs a free medical and dental clinic that will provide free primary dental and health care to income eligible and other qualified patients throughout Erie County. Patients to the clinic will receive free, high quality health care from a dedicated volunteer staff of medical and dental professionals as well as other volunteers. (814) 454-8755
Funds for emergencies
Some local charities or non-profit agencies to turn to for help for a short term crisis include St. Martin Center, Inc. (1-888-452-6113), and the Erie County Salvation Army ((814) 454-6497).
These groups can help people receive emergency food and other financial assistance. When these groups have adequate funding, the organizations can provide financial assistance for paying rent, mortgage and utility and heating bills, life-sustaining prescriptions and medications, and the agencies can even provide transportation in the form of bus passes and gasoline vouchers for free fuel. More on gasoline vouchers.
The Erie County Pennsylvania Assistance Office is another resource to call. They can be reached at 1-800-635-1014. They administer the following programs, and can refer people to resources and services. Cash assistance, home heating assistance (LIHEAP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide help with child care expenses, health insurance and care coverage, and food and school meals.
Food banks and pantries in Erie County Pennsylvania
The following charities and non-profits may be able to distribute free food, non-financial aid, clothing, or other forms of help to residents in the community.
- Joel Two Restoration Outreach Inc. - (814) 455-4464
- North East Community Food Pantry - (814) 725-9777
- Second Harvest Food Bank Of Northwest Pennsylvania - (814) 459-3663