Credit repair, counseling, and debt programs

Consumer Credit Counseling Service of NE PA - Many housing and credit programs are offered by the non-profit. For example, they provide a debt management program, a utility repayment plan, an emergency mortgage assistance program, educational seminars and services, and a full range of HUD approved housing and foreclosure counseling services. Dial (570) 602-2227. Also click here for more on Pennsylvania HUD agencies.

Financial Assistance for paying bills

Catholic Social Services of Lackawanna County partners with local agencies such as the United Way, State Shelter, FEMA, State Food, and the Diocese of Scranton to provide financial assistance for individuals and families who need help. Financial for paying bills, as well as non-financial assistance such as foreclosure and budget counseling and referral to other appropriate government programs and services are provided. The  goal of the agency offering financial assistance for utility, heating bills, and rent is to meet emergency needs and guide clients toward self-sufficiency over the long term. The program is not intended to supplement their income continuously and is not intended to be a long term charity program. Dial 570-207-2283 to learn more or to apply for help. Or find other eviction prevention programs.

The Salvation Army Corps Community Center of Scranton Pennsylvania offers aid to all Lackawanna County residents. The local Salvation Army branch offers low income and other individuals a wide variety of social service programs that include utility bill and heating bill help programs for gas and electric service, food baskets, clothing vouchers, heating fuel assistance programs for paying for oil, coal and wood. In addition, other forms of emergency assistance may be provided on a case by case basis to people in need of help. Call them at (570) 344-9878. Details include :

• Utility and fuel assistance - They provides fuel and utility bill assistance. They can help people with PP&L and PG Energy, if they have received a disconnect notice. In addition, they will help those people who do not qualify for other state and county government assistance, and it will help those who have already used up their grants and cannot purchase their own fuel or heating oil. They only provide this assistance once a year, so use the program wisely.
• Food assistance - The Salvation Army will provide food aid and make food baskets for individuals or families. The agency will provide them with enough food until they get income or food stamps from the government.

 

 

Another non-profit agency to turn to for help is United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA. This agency offers low income and other needy individuals a host of assistance programs, resources, and services. As just a sampling, gain access to emergency food bank and clothing outlets; Crisis Intervention Programs; Childcare programs for working families and much more. Call them at (570) 343-8835.

The Jewish Family Service of Lackawanna County can help people of all faiths. Call (570) 344-1186. Among them include:

• Dental Clinic -  This center provides free dental care to eligible low income and/or uninsured Lackawanna County residents and is staffed by volunteer dentists from the Scranton District Dental Society
• Financial assistance - Limited short-term financial assistance for rent and utility bills is provided for individuals and families who qualify and cannot afford food, housing expenses, shelter, or other emergency needs.
• Food pantry - Receive free or low cost food and groceries.

Health care for the unemployed

The Scranton Primary Health Care Center has a partnership with the local United Way and local government in which the center offers free medical care to the unemployed residents of the county. The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne County government provide funding and cash assistance to offset the cost of a medical visit for persons who are unemployed. Dial (570) 344-9684 to make an appointment or learn more.

Community clinic in Lackawanna Pennsylvania

The Leahy Community Health & Family Center, which is located in Scranton, is a free community clinic that is offering primary health care services to the uninsured and low income residents of Lackawanna County. The Leahy Center offers free “non-emergency” health care to uninsured Lackawanna County residents who may otherwise forgo health or medical care due to cost, unpaid bills, or they can help people who seek care in hospital emergency rooms. The Clinic strives to provide high quality care to all who need help. Call (570) 941-6112.

Food and groceries

Bread Basket of NE PA, Inc. - The organization is an interfaith network of volunteer food pantries and food banks that is distributing nonperishable food packages and groceries to low income families in the community. Dial (570) 343-2324, or learn more on inexpensive food and groceries.