Franklin County assistance programs.

There are options and resources in the area for people to turn to for help. They include the programs below.

Help Paying Heating Bills

Individuals and families that are struggling with rising home heating and fuel costs can apply for Pennsylvania’s  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federal government funded program that provides free cash grants to help low to moderate income families pay their winter heating bills. Applications for these cash grants are available by contacting the Franklin County Assistance Office at (717) 264-6121

In addition to the amounts indicated above, LIHEAP also provides crisis and emergency cash grants for those Chambersburg and Franklin County families that experience heating emergencies, such as a broken furnace, fuel shortage, utility termination, or running out of fuel oil. The crisis grant program is available in January of each year.

While the exact amount of aid paid will vary, cash grants of up to $300 and crisis grants of up to $800 are usually available for qualified families through LIHEAP. The amount of each grant is dependent on several factors, including income, household size, the region of the state, and the type of heating fuel used.

Weatherization Programs

The main goal of the Weatherization Program is to aid low income and other struggling households with reducing heating and energy bill expenses by greatly enhancing and improving the energy efficiency of their homes and by also helping to improve their energy related health and safety conditions. Eligible and qualified clients can receive certain cost-effective measures, free of charge, that can include: air sealing, insulation, hot water conservation measures, heating system improvements, new furnaces, and more. Dial 717-334-7634 to apply or learn more.

Operation care assistance program in Franklin County

The main goal of the Operation Care Emergency Assistance Program is to provide emergency services for those who are in need of shelter, medical, utility bill payment assistance, free health care, as well as other emergency assistance through coordination of community resources and local services. Information and referral services are also available to those who need aid. Dial 717-263-5060 to learn more.

 

 

 

Food aid

Various Franklin County Food Pantries provide food and other nutritional products to those in emergency situations. There are a total of 7 food pantries located throughout Franklin County to assist those in need. The 7 food pantries are located in Chambersburg, Waynesboro, St. Thomas, Fayetteville, Orrstown, Dry Run, and Greencastle. Phone them at 717-263-5060.

Legal aid, including foreclosure counseling

Franklin County Legal Services offers free legal aid on domestic matters, consumer problems, debt assistance, foreclosures, and unemployment concerns for low-income persons. (717) 262-2326. Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Learn more on Pennsylvania free legal advice.

Lawyers from Mid Penn Legal Services also offer free legal assistance and legal representation in civil cases to low-income people and domestic violence victims in Chambersburg and Franklin County. Learn more on mortgage programs.

 

 

Food, clothing, and help paying bills

Waynesboro Area Human Services runs programs for human services for emergencies including financial assistance with clothing, food, shelter conditions.

South Central Community Action Programs, Inc. ((717) 334-6921) runs a program known as The Operation Care Emergency Assistance Program. This resource provides emergency services for those in need of rent help, medical, shelter, utility and heating bill payment assistance, as well as, other emergency assistance through coordination of community resources. Information and referral services to local charities, federal and Pennsylvania government programs are also available. Other services include The Franklin County Housing Rehabilitation Program, which provides home improvements and updates for homeowners in order to bring their homes up to code and safety.

The community action agency also administers The Franklin County Food Pantries, which provide food to those in emergency situations, as well as the working poor and elderly. Their are 6 food pantries located throughout Franklin County to assist those in need. The 6 food pantries are located in Chambersburg, St. Thomas, Greencastle, Waynesboro, Fayetteville, and Orrstown.

Medical and dental care

Keystone Health Center ((717) 217-6830) offers low cost to free dental and behavioral health services to medically underserved families, the low income and behavioral health programs are also administered.