Lawrence County assistance programs.

Help with housing and rent expenses

Lawrence County is receiving $200,000 from the federal government stimulus program to create the Family Stability Program, which will help provide dozens of families facing eviction, or those people who may be currently homeless, with short- or medium-term rental assistance as well as funds to pay a security deposit. Call the Social Services office in New Castle at (724) 658-7258 in order to apply for help.

Working together as one unit, the Lawrence county's social services and children and youth services offices, partnered with the Children's Advocacy Center, will come together to identify families who are homeless or at risk of being evicted from their current housing and that are most in danger of having their children placed in protective services. The various organizations will then work together to aid them. They will cooperate to provide housing stabilization, case management services, and immediate emergency cash grants.

Lawrence County PA programs for bills, rent, and financial support

There are a few different agencies, charities, and non-profits to call. While there are no guarantees to the results you will get as these organizations have limited funding and resources, you may in fact be able to get help with bills, rent, and other forms of financial support.

Catholic Charities of New Castle and Lawrence County, which can be reached at 724-658-5526, offers a basic needs assistance program. It provides resources and support for paying heating and utility bills, free food and groceries, new or gently used clothing and furniture. Disaster relief is also provided as part of the resources and programs. While funding and resources are limited, one of the big benefits of Catholic Charities is that if the local resident needs help and if Catholic Charities can’t meet their need, they can refer the applicant to a local partner agency or non-profit that can assist. Such as they work closely with Pennsylvania food banks and pantries.

The Salvation Army is located on West Grant Street and can be called at (724) 652-7921. They as well offer counseling, resources, and limited financial assistance, including rent, housing, shelter, and holiday meals for the unemployed and working poor.

Lawrence County Community Action Partnership is the local community action agency. Programs they administer include.

Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) - Emergency funds to pay your mortgage. Need to be facing foreclosure and be able to get back on track over the long term. Also learn about Pennsylvania mortgage assistance programs.

Rent and energy assistance - Access different programs, grants, and aid. Examples include Dollar Energy and direct grants with energy companies. Renters can gain direct financial assistance to household in an immediate housing crisis or facing an eviction. This form of housing assistance can pay for a security deposit, the families first month’s rent, and/or back rent due from the renter. Rapid Rehousing can help people find a new home.

Debt and credit counseling - The community action agency knows the underlying issue needs to be addressed.  Many times this can be dealing with credit card or medical debts, building budgeting skills, or general financial counseling and support. So meet with a counselor to get help with these needs. For example, get information on debt consolidation and management programs.

Other programs offered are an optical clinic, free income tax filing, transportation, Head Start, and a variety of senior citizen programs.

Call the New Castle based Lawrence County Community Action Partnership at (724) 658-7258.