Assistance programs in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Pennsylvania.
Low-income or struggling families in the Allegheny County area can get financial help. There are grants to address housing costs (funds help pay rent, security deposits or mortgages), utility bill assistance (for electric or heating service), free groceries from pantries, and much more. Whether it is a church in Pittsburgh, or a regional charity or government program including the Allegheny County welfare office, low income families will get help. Find where to get financial help near you in Allegheny County or Pittsburgh PA below.
Charities also offer free stuff. in addition to the food or meals from pantries, there is everything from Christmas gifts for kids to back to school supply assistance programs furniture banks and more. Most of the resources are combined with job training services (both paid and internship) as well as basic financial literacy workshops.
Financial assistance with paying bills in Allegheny County
Most years, the government or local non-profits are provided millions of dollars in federal funds to help with rent and housing expenses. There is an application process for this financial assistance in the Pittsburgh region. However the grants are provided to Allegheny County and Pittsburgh to help people pay their rent and also prevent an eviction. The funds will be used to provide short-term assistance and stability to families, with the goal of allowing them to obtain stable, long-term housing when the assistance eventually ends.
North Hills Community Outreach, Community Human Services, Urban League of Pittsburgh ((412) 681-1110), and Veteran’s Leadership Program have all been selected to provide the assistance at one time or another, however funding comes and goes. The agencies may assist as well as homeless prevention programming, funds for monthly rent payments, and also housing relocation services for those who need to move or are currently homeless.
The North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) organization has several programs that assist Allegheny county and Pittsburgh residents. Some of the programs offered include:
- Automobile and cars - NHCO partners with Community Auto in an effort to make car and automobile ownership affordable (including loans) to low and moderate income families and individuals who are experiencing economic hardship. They will sell the cars at a lower cost, provide financing, and do what it takes to get people into an automobile. There even offer help in finding bad credit auto loans.
- Utility and heating bill assistance - This program will help low-income families apply for and receive grants from the $1 Energy Fund and also Duquesne Light and Columbia Gas Customer Assistance Programs each year. Cash grants provided, which only go to current utility customers, can run as high as $1,000. They also can apply for crisis grants of up to $400, which are for those who lack heating service due to their service being shut off or disconnected.
- Emergency Financial Help - The NHCO organization also helps in financial crisis situations or emergencies. They can help pay a families monthly rent or a security deposit so as to prevent an eviction or homelessness; they will pay for car repairs so that a person does not lose his or her job; pay for home repairs; cover the cost of prescriptions for an un- or underinsured person; etc.
In addition to these resources and services, they also have food pantries, credit counseling, free food aid, employment assistance programs, and more. A major focus is on self-sufficiency, which of course involves both financial literacy and job/career training to help people gain new skills. More on job training programs.
Contact them at 412-487-6316. They are located at 1975 Ferguson Rd. in Allison Park, 416 Lincoln Ave. in Pittsburgh, or the office c/o Allegheny General Hospital, Suburban Campus, located at 100 S. Jackson Ave., 2 South, Pittsburgh, PA .
Other local agencies and non-profits that can either provide financial help for bills such as heating, utility, and rent, free food, medications, or just general support and advice include these Pittsburgh and Allegheny County Pennsylvania agencies listed below. Each will have its own specific assistance programs, so you will need to call them to get more information on their services.
Allegheny County Department Human Services County Office - This government entity provides information on and access to a number of financial assistance programs. This includes public aid, cash, welfare programs, Medicaid and social services. They are the leading organization to call for assistance if you are low income or struggling during these challenging times.
Get help with everything from medical and utility bills, food, child care, and even transportation. They also offer unemployment applications, Medicaid health care, SNAP food stamps and more. Case managers can also help people find a job and gain self-sufficiency. Learn more on public help in Allegheny County.
Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh provides a number of services. One of them is emergency rental assistance and cash grants as part of the Housing Assistance Program. It is for those families facing eviction or the risk of becoming homeless. Funds may be used for paying security deposits or first months rent. Other programs provide early childhood and youth development, education, health advocacy, hunger services, employment and job training. 610 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222, call 412-227-4805. Learn more on the Urban League of Pittsburgh.
A major focus is on employment and breaking barriers to poverty. Whether a minority, women, male, or anyone seeking new skills or a job, various agencies (such as the Urban League) and government agencies assist. Read about everything including jobs that can be done as a side hustle, free IT or computer training, workforce centers and more.
Welfare Justice Project will help people apply for government assistance and welfare benefits including food stamps. It will help individuals file taxes, understand the welfare system, and assist individuals and families with accessing summer food and other child nutrition programs. The agency will also work with individuals that are having problems with the Department of Public Welfare. They are a non-profit public policy advocacy organization that helps people understand the welfare system and their rights. 16 Terminal Way Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219, (412) 431-8960
Free household goods, clothes, school supply assistance and other resources are offered from Allegheny County clothing closets, furniture banks and thrift stores. Families of all income levels can buy gently used goods at a low price or low income families are given free items, including back to school supplies.
The working poor or very low income can often get free clothes, including work items or furniture such as beds, kitchen items and more. Or get free Christmas gifts for children and personal hygiene items. Read free clothing closets, furniture and school supplies in Pittsburgh area.
Association of Churches of Allegheny County - Apply for help from the faith based charity known as AVAC. Access free gasoline vouchers, grants that can help pay rent, heating and utility payment assistance. There are also free hot meals as well as emergency free food. The agency may also have clothing and shoe vouchers, referrals to charities, bus passes, prescriptions and health care. Dial 724-226-0606, or find help from Allegheny Valley Association of Churches.
Pittsburgh Presbyterian Lazarus (412-323-1400) - Get a few hundred dollars to pay rent, mortgage, or medical bills.
Holy Family Institute provides access to a variety of energy assistance programs, including those run in partnership with Duquesne Light. They include Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and Customer Assistance and Referral Evaluation Service (CARES). The non-profit also helps people apply for and screens for Dollar Energy Fund, weatherization, and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). There is even details on water bill assistance in Pennsylvania. Call (412) 244-8010.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Inc. helps the low income, elderly and vulnerable. They offer comprehensive services for families and individuals with the goal of stopping the cycle of poverty/need. There are also resources for immigrants and single parents.
The non-profit can provide a variety of housing options for vulnerable populations, assistance with utility bills, budgeting and financial literacy, community referrals, and senior programs. 212 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15222, call (412) 456-6999. Learn more Catholic Charity Pittsburgh assistance programs.
St. Vincent de Paul and the Tangible Aid program helps individuals and families with one-time needs, such as rental assistance if faced with an emergency or eviction. A number of churches and other organizations work with the Society of St. Vincent too. Additional resources can include food, shelter, rental assistance, and more. 412-321-1071, or click here SVDP Allegheny County.
Focus on Renewal only offers support to Sto-Rox Neighborhood. Some of the services include emergency food assistance, family support centers, day care, luncheon program, crisis care, credit repair, housing for low-income elderly, and adult literacy. The center also serves as a screening agency for Dollar Energy Fund. McKees Rocks Pennsylvania based. Call 412-771-6460
Funds for paying rent and housing costs, such as security deposits, are available in the county. Non-profits agencies can receive grants from the federal government and use that money to provide help to residents facing eviction that are faced with a one time crisis. Find additional agencies and programs that focus on Allegheny County rent assistance.
Garfield Jubilee Association – Can help people apply for utility and heating assistance for Equitable Gas and Duquesne Light Company. Other assistance includes financial and housing counseling, such as prepurchase, delinquent mortgage, and budget counseling. 412-665-5200
Short term housing and emergency homeless shelter are available from charities and non-profits such as the YMCA, Salvation Army, and many others. The Allegheny County area centers will also offer other support, such as free meals, information on employment opportunities, and clothing. Also, many guests can work with staff on locating transitional housing or a new, permanent home or low income apartment. More information on short term housing and shelters in Allegheny County.
Goodwill of Southwestern PA - Southside CAP Office helps low-income, working poor, and payment troubled customers of Duquesne Light establish payment plans. 2400 East Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203, call 412-325-2168.
EECM - East End Cooperative Ministry focuses on the eastern portion of the county as well as city of Pittsburgh. The three main focuses are on offering free food or meals, low income housing, and case management. They offer job placement and training from the Community Connections Center, the Short-Stay transitional housing or apartments, and more along those lines. Find East End Cooperative Ministry programs.
Pittsburgh Community Services - This is mostly a referral service for residents of the city and immediate suburbs. Households can learn about programs for paying heating bills, such as LIHEAP. There are also job placement and GED education services available as well as HUD certified foreclosures. Community services will also provide linkage to food pantries clothing closets, and other support services. More on Pittsburgh Community Services.
The Bureau of Homeless Services coordinates resources across Allegheny County. The government affiliated agency works to ensure that low income apartments, transitional housing, and other aid is available. In addition to receiving referrals, some residents may even be able to qualify for emergency help for any back rent that is due. Continue with Allegheny County Bureau of Homeless services.
Petra International Ministries – Has information on financial assistance, including Dollar Energy Fund. They are based at 235 Eastgate Drive.
Free back to school supply, uniforms, and backpacks - Multiple agencies and charities help students from low income households. Or there are free school supplies for families in a crisis. Whether clothes, writing material, electronics, book bags or backpacks, support is offered. Find Allegheny County free school supply programs.
Allegheny County Salvation Army Social Services include a number of emergency services. They provide clothing, free daily food, and other services based on need. The non-profit faith based charity can provide referrals for utilities, rent, housing & shelters.
Free Christmas meals and gifts may be offered too from programs such as Treasures for Children, which is the local version of Angel Tree. Corp centers are located at 6017 Broad St., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15206, (call 412-362-0891); 300 Holland Avenue, Braddock, PA 15104 (dial 412-271-2407); and 1060 McNeilly Road (phone 412-207-2127). Read more Allegheny County Salvation Army.
In addition, Call the Salvation Army at 1-800-454-1156 for utility assistance (including electric and heating bills) as well as free food and information on programs such as SNAP food stamps.
The Salvation Army centers in Pittsburgh are also a great place to call for referrals and information on longer term solutions, such as job training. The locations can also help people apply for government assistance programs, including LIHEAP or food stamps. Get more details on public aid in Pennsylvania.
Churches - Anyone in need can try a parish for help. They support immigrants, Spanish speakers, the poor, homeless, and many others. Allegheny County faith based groups can provide the following.
- -Medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and other items.
- -Volunteers can drive people to work or medical appointments in a crisis.
- -Some money may be issued by a church for critical needs, including heating or gas bills, rent, and other costs.
- Many other services may be offered. Read Allegheny County church programs.
Union Aid Society can help qualified people in Quaker Valley School District. Explore programs for emergency funding for medical bills, rent, food and utilities. There are also free Back to School supplies, Thanksgiving and Holiday gift card programs, and affordable apartments for low income seniors. 601 Thorn Street, Sewickley, PA 15143, telephone 412-741-9240.
Volunteers of America helps veterans, the homeless and struggling families in Pittsburgh, Sharpsburg and the county. There are transitional housing programs, job programs and training centers, affordable and low-income subsidized housing(including for seniors) and other resources. More on Volunteers of America assistance in Pittsburgh area.
Jewish Family and Childrens Service may be able to help with emergency needs. The non-profit offer referrals to financial assistance programs for rent, housing, medications, or utilities. In some cases they have some funding on their own. The Critical Needs work from the Pittsburgh agency can also refer the disabled to programs, offer food from a pantry, and senior care, among other resources. Click here for information on Jewish Family and Childrens Services programs.
Wilkinsburg Community Ministry - May be able to provide bus tickets to individuals who need to go to doctors' appointments, work, and caseworker appointments. Other resources include Meals-on-Wheels program for the elderly; center serves a screening agency for Dollar Energy Fund and food stamps (SNAP); and emergency food pantry and clothing assistance. 412-241-8072
Emergency homeless prevention - Financial aid, counseling, and more are provided from two government funded programs. They includes ESG grants, loans as well as a Shelter Allowance.
- Applicants can be senior citizens, single mothers, families living in poverty, and families facing eviction or foreclosure.
- Assistance provided includes cash grants, referrals to utility programs, legal support, and more.
- Other support may also be provided. Learn more Allegheny County homeless prevention.
Winter heating bills in Allegheny County - It can be expensive to pay your energy and heating costs during the long winter months in Pennsylvania. The government and various utility companies offer financial assistance to help pay your bill, payment plans, and provide methods to save money. More Pittsburgh heating bill assistance programs.
Most Pennsylvania utility companies also offer financial relief. This can range from payment plans to free conservation measures, disconnection prevention programs, funds to pay a deposit and more. Locate Pennsylvania utility company financial aid programs.
Charities and non-profits for free holiday programs - There are places to contact in Pittsburgh and the county for free toys, hot meals, and gifts. A combination of private donations and contributions are used to help children and seniors get a free gift, present or meal at Thanksgiving or Christmas. More on free holiday programs in Allegheny County.
Allegheny County and Pittsburgh Homelessness Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program is funded by government grants. This rental and eviction prevention program provides cash grants, financial assistance, counseling and other services to people who are facing an eviction. There is also emergency financial assistance for individuals who are currently homeless and the working poor who could become homeless without any type of support.
Hundreds of individuals and families are now enrolled in the program. So these people have met the qualifications, including income guidelines, and they are currently receiving financial assistance, such as funds for rental payments, security deposits, rental arrearage payments, utility and heating bill payments, utility arrearage payments and even money for paying utility deposits.
This program is funded by the federal government. To qualify for this assistance, applicants need to be facing an eviction, or they must be homeless or about to become homeless. In addition to those criteria, households must be below 50 percent of the area median household income. Call the HPRP Hotline at 1-877-350-4777 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to learn more or apply for aid.
Local Neighborhood Services and Agencies
Many of these agencies and non-profits can direct people to programs to get help with utilities, rent assistance ,medical care, food, and more. Case managers and social workers also provide other advice and counseling.
- Catholic Charities phone 412-456-6976
- Area Agency on Aging 412-350-4234
- The Pittsburgh / Allegheny County Salvation Army 412-394-3580
- Brashear Association (South Side) - 412-431-2236
- Focus on Renewal (Sto-Rox) dial 412-771-6460
- East End Cooperative Ministry 412-361-5549
- Family Resources 412-361-4800
- Hill House Association 412-392-4400
- Human Services Center (Turtle Creek area) call 412-829-7112
- Rankin Christian Center - phone number 412-271-8313
- Methodist Union of Social Agencies (Munhall) 412-461-1800
- North Hills Community Outreach 412-487-6316
- Rainbow Kitchen (Munhall) 412-464-1892
- South Hills Interfaith Ministries 412-854-9120
Mortgage help, credit counseling, and foreclosure prevention in Allegheny County
Free or discounted counseling and help is available from the following local HUD and/or PHFA Approved Agencies. In addition to the centers listed below, the greater Pittsburgh and Allegheny County region are supported by several other non-profit housing and credit counseling agencies. They provide free foreclosure help to income qualified borrowers, advice, and support. Find locations of Pittsburgh housing counseling agencies.
- ACTION Housing
412.281.2101
- CCCS of Western PA
888.511.2227
- Fair Housing Partnership of Western Pennsylvania
412.391.2535
- Garfield Jubilee Association
412.665.5204
- Mon Valley Initiative
412.464.4000
- Nazareth Housing Services
412.381.3797
- NeighborWorks Western Pennsylvania (Formerly known as Neighborhood Housing Services). More.
- Pittsburgh Community Reinvestment Group (PCRG) - dial (412) 391-6732
- Urban League of Pittsburgh
412.227.4802
- Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) - phone (888) 511-2227
- Find additional mortgage and foreclosure assistance programs in Allegheny County and Pittsburgh. Continue with mortgage help in Pennsylvania.
Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Program is a countywide service. Homeowners in Allegheny County are able to get free help from a housing counselor in renegotiating their home mortgage terms. The mortgage counselor will also help with setting up payment plans to cover delinquencies, and will also provide other assistance to help bring their mortgage current. Red more about mortgage counselors that are available across the county.
- The mortgage counselor will work closely with the homeowner to establish a course of action, which could include modified home loan terms. Or the process may result in a payment plan, or even a possible bankruptcy filing, as well as all other options with the goal of saving the home.
- The local Allegheny County Court will also become involved. A court-supervised conference will then be scheduled with the mortgage lender in an effort to try to reach an agreement that satisfies all parties. The court judge then will have final say over whether a foreclosure moves forward or not.
The goal of this Allegheny Residential Mortgage Foreclosure Program is to try to get homeowners mortgage and foreclosure assistance before a sheriff's sale takes place. When that occurs there is little that can be done to save the home from the process. Dial 1.866.298.8020 to learn more or ask for help.
Free food assistance
If you are struggling with providing food for your family, some agencies or charities to turn to include those listed below. They either run food pantries as well as soup kitchens, or can provide people with groceries and other supplies. Contact the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank at 412-460-3663. Another place to turn to for food assistance in Allegheny County is Angel Food Ministries. 877-366-3646. Angel Food will provide people with up to $60 in groceries, and they only need to pay about $30 for them.
A large number of additional food banks, soup kitchens for meals and distribution centers operate in the County. They can also help families, including the elderly, apply for benefits such as food stamps or Meals on Wheels. Get details and information on more Allegheny County free food pantries.
Free health, medical and dental care
Catholic Charities runs a free health care clinic. It provides medical and dental care for people without health insurance and also low income individuals. Call the agency at 412-456-6911. There may also be medications, medical bill advocates and other resources.
In addition, there are a number of free medical clinics located around Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. the local United Way has a listing of the agencies. Contact the Allegheny County United Way at 412-2551155 to learn more or get medical care. Or find a listing of free Pittsburgh community clinics that operate in the region.
City of Pittsburgh
There are also some specific programs for the city of Pittsburgh. Click here to find other resources. In addition, the city of McKeesport Pennsylvania has also started a separate assistance program to help its residents with paying rent, utility bills, mortgages, and security deposits. More.
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