Assistance programs in Bucks County PA.
Financial assistance is available from churches, non-profits, and government Human Service agencies. Find how to get help with rent or electric bills, a free box of food, money to pay for gasoline or security deposits and more. There are many organizations listed below that help struggling and/or low income Bucks County families with paying their bills or long term self-sufficiency goals.
Charities in Bucks County also help the most vulnerable. They can provide free items, ranging from school supplies to free gasoline vouchers for work or Christmas gifts. There are also Meals on Wheels for the elderly, homecare for the disabled and even grants for single mothers.
Financial assistance from Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc.
This is the local community action agency, and they offer numerous assistance programs to Doylestown and Bucks County residents, including the following.
- Emergency assistance - Funds may be able to help pay rent, utility bills, health care costs, and more. There are also job focused programs, such as gasoline vouchers for work.
- Tax preparation - Professionally trained and certified volunteers will prepare and e-file your Pennsylvania and federal government tax return.
- Food - Pick up free groceries or food at a nearby pantry.
- Outreach and Emergency Stabilization are for income qualified families striving towards self-sufficiency. Eligible participants may receive loans or other support may be available for addressing critical needs, such as rent payment to stop an eviction.
- Disabled resources - Bucks County families that have a physical or mental disability can get help. there are many services including financial aid while waiting on FMLA and more.
- Various self-sufficiency resources are offered in Bucks County. As part of this there may be information on job training, budgeting, or free income tax preparation.
- Government benefits such as Emergency Food Assistance Program, weatherization for saving money on utility bills, and LIHEAP applications are offered by BCOC.
- Bucks County Opportunity Council, Administration Office also runs an emergency shelter program, and can offer qualified individuals with information on rent assistance programs. There is also free Weatherization assistance, which is a federal funded program that installs free energy conserving upgrades to homes.
Those are just a sampling of the programs offered. Call Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. at (215) 345-8175 for more information and an extensive list. The main office of the Bucks County Opportunity Council at 100 Doyle St, Doylestown, PA 18901.There are other offices in Quakerstown, Warminster and Bristol PA. If the non-profit can’t assist, they may have referrals to who can. More on resources from Bucks County Opportunity Council.
Bucks County energy bill assistance and housing assistance
There is utility, gas, and heating bill help for low income homeowners as well as renters. The disabled and seniors can apply too. There are free grants from the Bucks County Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is federally funded. This assistance program is a federal and state of Pennsylvania resource that provides cash grants and assistance for individuals who are income-eligible. Participants do not need to have a shutoff notice in order to apply for aid.
- To get help, dial the Crisis Hotline: 215.686.2590 or (215) 560-1583. The crisis component of LIHEAP will assists persons who receive a utility emergency shutoff notice. It also assists tenants in need of heat or heater repairs.
- Another number is for the Heater Hotline: 215.568.7190 or 215-609-1000. This provides emergency heater repair services for homeowners only.
Bucks County cash assistance/food stamps/medical care is offered. The application site is at Share Food Program. This group is located at 2901 W. Hunting Park Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19129, Phone # 215.223.2220. The Share Program is a large buying club that enables families and individuals to purchase food at a very low cost.
For example, for a little over $10 in cash or food stamps plus two hours of community service, participants can often receive $20 to $40 worth of fresh food. In addition, the Share Food Program will direct callers to food resource sites that are located in the five-county area. There are no household income requirements to apply.
Doylestown Area FISH - This agency provides emergency help with shelter, free food and groceries, rent assistance; heating and utility bill assistance; other help as requested for residents of the Central Bucks School District. Call 215-348-7172.
Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) - Is a non-profit agency that offers utility and heating bills help to income-eligible people who receive a shut-off notice for a bill that is $500 or less. The agency's policy is to pay the bill down to a zero balance. Individuals can use the service, which is available to them after the close of LIHEAP/Crisis support services, only once every two years. Dial (215) 972-5170 or 215.829.0545 to learn more or to apply for heating bill assistance.
Telephone Assistance Services Lifeline, Verizon Customer Service - This will assist low and moderate income Pennsylvania customers get and keep their telephone service. Find more information on telephone assistance programs.
There is also the Bucks County and regional Telephone Assistance Program. There are customer service members that can help the elderly, disabled or seniors apply. In general, discounts are provided, subsidized phones, or free internet or wireless service. This telephone program will assist Bucks County Pennsylvania customers in paying their overdue phone bills. Call 1-800-234-9473.
CACLV is the local non-profit community action agency. They serve Lehigh Valley as well as offer services in the Bucks County region. Some of the programs administered are as follows.
- Housing, including foreclosure counseling, advice for first time home buyers, and referrals to loan and financial aid programs for paying rent.
- Groceries, perishable items, and canned items from regional food banks.
- Utility and energy bill assistance, including LIHEAP, the WARM Program, and conservation plans such as Low Income Usage Reduction.
- Other services are also available in the Bucks County Pennsylvania region, such as transitional housing programs, loans, case management and more. Click here for details on Bucks County Community Action Committee.
Bucks County Assistance Office is the main place for information on public and government assistance. The county office can offer financial assistance, SNAP food stamps, health care and medical assistance such as Medicaid. There is also government grant money to with heating and energy bills or cash aid for unemployed adults or families with children.
Social Services also helps with long term needs. There is free employment and training counseling, including for cash aid families. Or the elderly in Bucks County can get help with long-term home care and other resources. The location is 1214 New Rodgers Road, Bristol, Pennsylvania 19007. Dial 800-362-1291
The Salvation Army, Bucks County Service Unit. As with most of these charity organizations, the organization helps the less fortunate, working poor, single parents and others. The Salvation Army can provide free food vouchers, clothing, or school supplies. There is also a low cost thrift store as well as limited financial assistance for electric bills, rent, medications, and housing needs.
Another focus is on helping senior citizens and children. Resources include free Christmas assistance and home delivered meals, among other programs. Employment training and career counseling services are available as well. A few centers operate in the region, including at 215 Appletree Dr, Levittown, PA 19055. Dial (215) 945-0717. Or read more and find other Bucks County Salvation Army programs.
- Salvation Army Quakerstown Community Worship Center - Social services office that can assist with offering individuals free food or groceries. There is, clothing, utilities, rent and/or mortgage payment assistance (when funding is available). Or get Christmas toys, gasoline cards and referrals to government and Pennsylvania programs. Call (800) 728-7825
Bucks County Housing Group, Inc. – The agency can help low to moderate income with housing concerns as well as direct tenants, or the homeless or people close to it, to resources. The non-profit can help by providing affordable housing and related rent assistance as well as social services. Can help families move from homelessness to financial stability and permanent housing. In addition, the agency also runs a Housing Counseling department.
You can meet with a counselor to learn about and apply for Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program as well as First Time Home Buyers counseling. Foreclosure prevention also offered. They also run a few food pantries in Bucks County. Address is 2324 Second Street Pike, Suite 17, Wrightstown, PA 18940, dial 215-598-3566
Bridge of Hope Bux-Mont addresses housing issues. The non-profit provides rental assistance on a decreasing basis over a 12-24 month period. The amount paid out will depend on the applicants income and overall financial condition. Runs a 90 day shelter and two year transitional housing program. Apply for counseling, case management, and other housing supportive services. Call (267) 932-8368.
Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund will only support families caring for critically, terminally, disabled, chronically ill, or seriously injured children if their needs are not covered by insurance. It can help Bucks County families with paying for the following. Heating and utility bills, rent, mortgage, and other housing expenses. Funds can also pay for medical needs such as transportation, car payments, air conditioners, and medically necessary dietary supplements. Child care and funeral expenses can be paid too. The main number is (215) 643 - 0763.
Bucks County Ministries Hospitality Center helps people gain self-sufficiency from basic needs. This includes Rent/Utility Bill Assistance as well as free groceries or Emergency Food. There are also Medical Referrals/ Reminders, Furniture Assistance Program, Personal Hygiene, and ID. Or get referrals to Public Assistance and Housing Search Resources. 530 Church Street, Norristown, Pennsylvania, 19401. Dial (610) 277 - 1321 for information.
Bucks Montgomery Center for Human Services – This location offers emergency groceries and food assistance. Women who are interviewing for jobs can get clothing for and during initial employment. Also access case management services for financial, housing, debt, and employment related problems. Staff will also coordinate various churches, business, and other groups’ efforts to provide holiday gifts and food to the needy. Address is 55 E. Court St., Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901. Main number is 215-348-6201
Rent and housing assistance - About a dozen agencies and non-profits focus on addressing housing issues. They can offer funds for paying first months rent or a security deposit, and also provide emergency cash to pay rent in order to stop an eviction. Find details on rent assistance in Bucks County.
Emergency Relief Association of Lower Bucks County, Inc. – A number of limited, modest amount of help for paying for emergency fuel, rent, heating bills, utilities, and prescriptions can be offered. Free food is also offered. This non-profit center can provide emergency assistance meeting to people who are economically disadvantaged (i.e. faced with short or long-term poverty) or require various educational or job finding services 8525 New Falls Road, Levittown, Pennsylvania 19054, dial 215-547-1676.
Pennridge FISH Organization - Limited emergency financial aid for rent and utilities, as well as food, clothing, and motel vouchers for the homeless. Main office is at 306 N. 5th Street, P.O. Box 9, Perkasie, PA 18944 call 215-257-7616.
Free or low cost clothing or furniture and other household goods may be offered from non-profit distribution centers in the Bucks County Pennsylvania region. Low income families may receive vouchers or gift certificates for free supplies, clothing, baby goods and more. There are free clothing as well as furniture banks in Bucks County as well as back to school supply assistance programs. Other people may receive items at a lower price. Continue with free clothes, furniture or school items in Philadelphia area.
Center in the Park – Counselors from this non-profit can advise and refer individuals who need help. If you are struggling, and would like to talk with someone to learn about your options or get support with a personal concern, the agency can assist. Learn about programs to address financial needs such as utility or heating bill assistance, medical bills, and credit repair. Intake number is (215) 848-7722.
Child care assistance can come in the form of free daycare or subsidies. If you need information on selecting a competitively priced, high quality child care program or for help in paying for child care, contact the following agencies. If the non-profits listed below can assist, then find other sources of free daycare from the state or federal government. In Bucks County dial 1-877-472-5437.
Many low income families with kids also need supplies for their newborn. There are also places for baby supplies and diapers. They help single moms and struggling families in the region. Find a list of diapers for low income families.
Bucks County Department of Public Welfare – Homeless prevention programs are offered for people struggling with their rent or mortgage. Also learn about resources to help pay security deposits, or energy bill programs from the federal government such as Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). All housing needs can be covered, and find more details on Bucks County eviction help.
Cash grants can also help pay bills in a crisis, and the welfare department can offer that type of support. Other programs available include food stamps, WIC, section 8 vouchers, Medicaid, and more. A focus is on helping the very low income as well as families with children. The office is at 1214 New Rodgers Rd, Bristol, Pennsylvania, 19007, dial (215) 781-3300, or click here public assistance in Pennsylvania.
The Peak Center, Inc. offers a resource known as Client Information and Referral Services. A coordinator is available to meet with Buck County families and individuals to provide them with assistance. Get referral services on employment opportunities, transportation assistance, housing, and rent programs. 315 West Main Street, Lansdale, PA, 19446, telephone (215) 362-7432
Free Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter Assistance - Low income and less fortunate families and children can receive help. Receive free gifts, toys, food, meals, and other support from non-profit organizations, charities, and churches in Bucks County. Click here free Christmas help Philadelphia region.
Free legal aid in Bucks County – Assistance for housing issues (such as foreclosure or eviction assistance) is available as well as help in applying for government entitlement programs, such as SSI. Lawyers can also help seniors, the disabled, and qualified low income families by offering a diverse set of programs to them. Click more Bucks County area legal assistance.
Regional Free Legal Services – Lawyers help low income families with a number of needs. There is free legal aid in Bucks County, eviction defense programs, assistance with difficult landlords or predatory lenders and more.
One program known as Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) can help low-income residential utility consumers maintain their services. Or get free legal get support and advice in dealing with Landlord-Tenant issues. Location is 118 Locust Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17101, call (717) 236-9486.
- There are other options too. Get free legal services and advice. Lawyers, paralegals and staff also help the elderly as well as low income. Civil issues are offered.
- Community Legal Services - 215.981.3700
- Philadelphia Bar Association Lawyer Referral & Information Services - 215.238.6333
- Temple University Legal Aid Office - The non-profit, volunteer attorneys are at1719 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19122. Call 215.204.1800
- Women's Law Project - Dial 215.928.9801, or the address is 125 S. 9th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
- Find more on Pennsylvania legal programs.
Bucks County Heating Oil Programs will either provide discounted or free oil. A combination of charitable services as well as bulk buying co-ops are used to help low income families. Some agencies also focus on supporting the elderly or families with young children. Find sources of cheap or free heating oil.
Government and public aid is available from the Bucks County Health and Human Services department. This is the group that can help the less fortunate, seniors, and low income obtain federal and state government benefits. Some programs include funds for paying heating bills and TANF. They also work closely with the Bucks County Agency on Aging to help seniors. Other public programs include SNAP food stamps, Medicaid and information on prescription assistance and other benefits. Click Bucks County public assistance.
Rescue Relief For Senior Citizens – The elderly, older adults, and senior citizens can all receive help. Offers financial assistance with everyday necessities to seniors, provides advocacy to help negotiate payments on overdue bills, and the non-profit connects seniors with information and resources to meet other needs such as clothing. There is also free debt reduction, Food Assistance, prescription medications, and financial assistance for utility bills. Call (215) 426-1977, or read more on debt assistance programs.
Some non-profit focus on rental assistance. Families or individuals who need rent help, or may need funds to pay a security deposit, or people who have been served an eviction notice can get help from the following agencies and charities. Each has their own terms and conditions in place.
- Tenant Action Group - The address is 21 S. 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107, or dial 215) 940-3900
- Diversified Community Services - Phone number is 215.336.3511, or location 1920 S. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- New Kensington CDC - Bucks County renters can call 215.427.0350
Home repairs/maintenance is available. The Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, located at 1234 Market Street Philadelphia, PA 19107, and phone number of (215) 854-6500 provides low interest “Action Loans. They can help with furnare or AC repairs and other works on a home. The funds are loans that are below-market rate home improvement loans, that are to be used for home improvements.
Free food pantries, cupboards, and soup kitchens
Contact First Call for Help at 215.949.1660. This is a Bucks County organization that provides information on how to get free food, groceries, and holiday baskets. Or learn about baby formula from WIC or SNAP food stamps. Families and individuals with a very limited or no income can turn to this local food cupboard for options. Call First Call for Help, Bucks County at 215.949.1660 to learn more.
Other food pantries in Bucks County and the Doylestown area include Aiding Our Neighbors (Holland call 215-968-6208), Heaven's Bounty Food Cupboard (phone 215-536-1317), Quakertown Food Pantry (phone 215-536-0240).
There are additional food assistance programs in Buck County. The resources available include pantries as well as government benefits, which may be SNAP or WIC vouchers. Seniors can also apply for Meals on Wheels. Click here for more food banks, pantries, and thrift stores in the region. Locate free food pantries in Bucks County.
Health care in Bucks County Pennsylvania
Philadelphia Health Care Centers and Medical Clinics provide many health care services including pharmaceutical and dental provisions. Dial the Health District #1 at 215.685.6570 to find out about a health care clinic in your area. Find additional medical care program for low income Bucks County families and others. More on free health care resources.
Bucks County free dental programs help adults, children, the poor and uninsured. This program provides free dental care to children who live in Bucks County. Both basic treatment as well as surgery may be offered. The service is for families if they have no dental insurance. There are some income eligibility requirements, but free care is provided to many. Call 1-800-347-6803
CHIP Program - This program focuses on children, and it provides free health care, dental and mental health services for children, ages 0 to 19, who are not eligible for medical assistance. To apply for the free health care, contact: AETNA/US Healthcare: 1.800.822.2447 or Blue Cross/Blue Shield: 1.800.464.5437
Patient Assistance/Prescription Plans is offered by Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of America. This group offers a free copy of patient prescription assistance directory. Physician may be required to call. The directories give information on free medications.
Veterans Administration of Bucks County - Phone number is 1.800.827.1000. Veterans can get access to a number of free or low cost medical services, including dental care, therapy and more. There are check-ups, free or low cost prescription drugs, exams and referrals.
HealthLink Medical Center - Provides primary medical and dental care to low income individuals and families without health insurance. Southampton Pennsylvania. Call 215-364-4247
PACE/PACENET - This Pennsylvania state government program, which can be reached at 1.800.225.7233/1.800.225.7223. The government benefit, provides free prescription drug and patient assistance to individuals who are aged 65 and older.
Phoenixville Area Dental Network - Contact information is 1.877.765.0477. This group provides free dental care to uninsured children who reside in the service area of Phoenixville Hospital. There are income criteria in order to apply.
Kids Smiles, which is located at 2821 Island Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and phone number of (215.492.9291) is a non-profit dental provider. Many volunteer dentists and staff give help. The non-profit gives free dental care for children covered by Medical Assistance or CHIP, as well as uninsured children whose families meet income criteria. Uninsured patients are charged $20 for a visit.
Volunteer Doctors Care - Volunteer doctors, medical professionals, nurse practitioners, nurses and support staff work together to provide low cost or free primary health care to patients at the community clinic. Uninsured adults over 18 years of age who live in Upper Bucks County Pennsylvania and are low income may receive free medical care if they are eligible. Quakertown based, Call 215-538-4774
Several other locations operate in the area. Find more Bucks County community clinics.
Credit card and/or debt counseling
Clarifi - Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Delaware Valley, Inc. will provide local individuals with budget, credit card, money management, and free debt counseling. The goal is to help households, regardless of their income or personal situation, to improve their overall household finances.
The organization also provides counseling on debt reduction/elimination and debt management programs. They also offer educational, seminars and training presentation. Call them at 215-563-5665, or find additional ways to get help with debt. There are various resources, including programs that settle debt ands more.
Mortgage assistance and foreclosure help
If you have experienced a hardship and are facing a home foreclosure, you can get assistance. There may free counseling, low cost loans or help from the State of Pennsylvania to pay your mortgage or maybe relocate. For more information on your options, contact the following programs:
- Philadelphia Council for Community Advancement - 100 N. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Call 215.567.7803
- Housing Association of the Delaware Valley Information Program - Dial 215-563-5665
- Or click here to find additional mortgage and foreclosure prevention programs which operate nationwide.
In addition to the resources indicated above, other resources and options are available if you need details on Pennsylvania mortgage assistance options.
Veterans services
The Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center, Inc. - This organization provides training services and employment to veterans or their families. This can include free job search and placement, as well as referral services to other local and government assistance programs. There may be applications for financial aid to pay bills. Or get emergency food/shelter, drug/alcohol rehabilitation, disability compensation and other benefits. Phone number 215.923.2600, or look here for veteran free money programs.
Veterans Upward Bound Program - Call 202-453-7425 or 215.898.6892. This program provides academic instruction, computer literacy, tutoring, education/career guidance. All services are offered free to veterans and former military personnel.
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