Community Services is a non-profit organization that provides both short term emergency aid and longer term self-sufficiency in Allegheny County, with a focus on the city of Pittsburgh. They are part of a group of organizations that help families in poverty, and will help families overcome their short and long term challenges. There are several assistance programs available to help those in need.
It is important for households that are struggling financially to have access to a range of services so that they can become self-sufficient. The Community Service provides case managers and certified housing counselors to help clients with a wide range of resources. The organization offers referrals, job training information, and educational programming to assist families in Pittsburgh at each stage of the process. Some of the services we offer to qualified clients are described below.
Free counseling and self-sufficiency programs
The Family Self-Sufficiency program helps families in need by teaching them the skills and knowledge necessary for long-term success. This program is proven to help families improve their situation and become self-sufficient. There is also advice for seniors and the disabled, and some of the services are specifically designed for their needs. This aid is given to help people who are poor to become independent and not need help from others.
This organization provides people in the Pittsburgh area with guidance and support through a series of one-on-one meetings. This document covers a variety of topics that may make it difficult for someone to become independent. These topics include things like education, work, housing, money, child care, and transportation. There are also specialized services available, depending on how much money and staff are available.
Mortgage Delinquency Counseling helps residents of the city who are in or close to foreclosure on their primary residence. The program gives people information on what to do if they are struggling with money and debt, and how to keep their home. The community action agency can help clients in other ways too, like teaching them about what to expect during the foreclosure process and enrolling them into lender mediation.
Housing support services also help people who have been victimized by predatory banks or lenders. HUD counselors can also help people with finding more affordable housing in the county. There are also services that can help reduce the amount of loss, as well as referrals to other agencies or resources if necessary.
Pittsburgh Community Services offers programming that helps people become financially stable. The agency and its case managers help clients achieve their goals by providing advice and guidance.
Individuals who are considering purchasing homes in Allegheny County can take classes to learn more about the process. Classes are available for both individuals and groups. The agency also has counselors who can help potential homebuyers with information about special programs. Some of the ways to get help with housing costs include finding alternative sources of funding, dealing with predatory lending practices, obtaining low interest loans, and applying for the federal Section 8 Homeownership Voucher Program.
Section 8 families who are low income can use home buying programs. HUD vouchers can be used to cover the cost of a down payment, closing costs, or to help make monthly mortgage payments. If you need help understanding or completing the process, staff from Pittsburgh Community Services can assist you. Some people use Section 8 vouchers to help pay their mortgage. This can be a good way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments and make owning your home more affordable.
Financial help from Pittsburgh Community Action Agency Services
The case management program also assists with the process of completing social benefit applications for resources, such as SNAP food stamps, WIC, or SSI disability. The community action agency provides services to help people find jobs, including access to computers and the Internet, and help with creating resumes.
One main goal of Pittsburgh Community Services (PCS) is to provide information about and connect people with social services and government agencies. There are many organizations in Allegheny County that help residents who are struggling. These organizations include churches, charities, and other groups. -There are many other programs that can help you beyond the ones listed here There are many local places where people can get food, clothing, and shelter if they need it. These places are called food pantries, clothing closets, and shelters. There may be legal aid or financial support to help prevent homelessness by paying rent, and much more offered.
Tenants can get advice and information on the tools needed to have a positive experience as a renter. Community service instructors and case managers are well trained to discuss housing-related issues with clients, taking into account their personal circumstances and challenges. This service can help prevent evictions and keep good relationships with landlords. There are even details on how to rent an apartment with a past eviction.
The Pittsburgh Community Action Agency can also help tenants find Pennsylvania state programs that prevent homelessness. The government and local non-profits work together to provide things like legal aid, grants, and utility bill assistance to stop evictions in Allegheny County. The goal is to keep families and individuals safe and housed.
The Low Income Home Energy Bill Assistance program is for residents of Pittsburgh who need help paying their energy bills. There are educational resources that teach people how to make their homes more efficient. Some participants of workshops may be able to take home energy-saving measures to install in their homes or apartments.
There are other options for receiving government funding for energy assistance, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The agency will be in charge of applications for the fund, which can help people pay their electricity or heating bills during winter. This means that the application will be approved faster than usual.
Apply for community action agency programs in Allegheny County
Pittsburgh Community Services provides many resources, including the ones mentioned above. If you need help finding resources or meeting qualifications, call 888-553-5778 for referrals. The main center is located at 249 North Craig Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.