Bedford County assistance programs.
Rent, mortgage and utility assistance
Local governments in Pennsylvania receive several hundred dollars in federal stimulus grants and funds to be used for the Emergency Food and Shelter Grant Program to supplement their regular allocations. This program will use the federal funds to offer residents of Bedford County help with various bills, including rent assistance, mortgage aid, and utility bill assistance.
The local Bedford County government will be distributing the assistance, and contact them at the local office if you are in need. They will also be working with catholic Charities and other agencies to ensure as many people as possible are provided aid in today’s difficult economy. Dial (814) 623-4811
The leading agency to call for advice, consultations, and information on financial assistance programs is the Center for Community Action. They offer a large number of resources and assistance for Bedford Pennsylvania area residents and families.
- Home Repairs - Assistance seniors, elderly, and single moms with the repairs of their home.
- Child care - The community action agency has extensive information on where to turn to for low cost, and even possibly free child care in Bedford PA region.
- Educational opportunities - In particular, access GED programs. Access basic academic, schooling, language and personal skills to help improve education, which should lead to improved job aspects.
- Rental assistance - A few different options and made available, including Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) as well as Emergency Food and Shelter, and then just ongoing rent support.
- Emergency Food and Shelter - Ensure people remain self sufficient, and this federal government funded program provides limited emergency rental assistance for individuals or households whose payment is in arrears and who are faced with losing their home. Money can also pay energy bills.
- Homeless Assistance Program offers services and resources to persons and families who are at risk of being evicted and/or becoming homeless. Potential clients of this assistance program do need to demonstrate that with both the prevention and with the intervention services that are provided by the Homeless Assistance Program, that these renters and homeowners would be able to meet their basic needs in the future.
- Direct Rental Assistance - Whether part of the Homeless Program or not, this involves a payment that is made for security deposits, rent, or utility bills, all of which will need to be made on behalf of families and/or individuals directly to their landlord. This money as well is intended to both stop evictions, and therefore prevent and/or end homelessness by maintaining individuals in their own homes or residences. Rental Assistance offered to the low income in a crisis may include financial assistance and cash grants to help prevent homelessness or near homelessness by intervening where an eviction is imminent.
- Energy assistance - Learn about, and get help applying for, the low income energy assistance program (LIEAP). The agency also has extensive information about how to apply for and get help directly from Pennsylvania utility assistance programs.
Call the Center for Community Action at (814) 623-9129.
Another organization to try is the Bedford County United Way. While they can’t provide aid themselves, they have several local agencies they partner with and fund, all of which are focused on helping the less fortunate or providing some other type of support. 814-624-0041
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