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Delaware County assistance programs.

Find resources and programs to help with bills, rent, and employment

Thousands of Delaware County residents are struggling in this weak economy. The Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) has as its primary goal the objective of assisting individuals and families with short term difficulties, bills, and expenses and to also ensure that they have access to programs to help them over the long term. They can provide grants, bill and rent assistance, food, job training, and in general help individuals move towards economic self-sufficiency. Some of what they offer includes the following, and find information on other non-profit agency assistance programs.

Housing and Rental Assistance

The rental assistance program that is available by CAADC will provide a one time cash grant to people in Delaware County and the Philadelphia area who are facing an eviction, families or individuals that are near homeless, and funds are even available for people who are currently homeless. Qualified households can receive the grant that is to be used for the first month's rent, back rent to avoid an eviction, or a security deposit. The average size of the grant provided by this program is equal to one month's rent. Funds are also available for people who are currently homeless, and that money is to help them  move into a new residence or apartment.

Food Aid

For those struggling to provide for their next meal for themselves or their family, food assistance is provided to assist those residents in meeting their basic nutritional needs. Some of the services that are offered include food vouchers, distribution of donated baked products, and referrals to local food banks. The Food Participation Project will also assist and guide Delaware County and Philadelphia families with enrollment in the Food Stamp Program. In addition, the agency also offers a feeding program that serves more than 200 people each and every day at the Life Center which is located in Upper Darby.

Utility and Heating Assistance

Receive a grant to pay an energy bill, and get information and access to resources to help you lower your energy costs. One objective is to ensure people reduce their heating and utility bills from conservation, and the CAADC organization provides education and free counseling on energy use and cost-saving measures that people can implement. A free usage analysis is completed on someone’s home or apartment which shows when and why their energy costs are high. Regarding the grants to pay the bills, free cash grants are also available to assist families and individuals with the payment of delinquent heating and utility bills and the money can also be used to restore your service if it has been disconnected. This program is available to all customers of PECO Energy Company, Chester Water Authority, as well as Philadelphia Suburban Water Company.

Water Conservation Measures and Save on Your Water Bill

The CAADC agency also implements water conservation measures, including such free upgrades as plumbing retrofits in households that are serviced by Chester Water Authority as well as Aqua PA. Read about other ways to get help with water bills. Continue.

Save Money From Weatherization & In-Home Energy Conservation Upgrades

The Community Action Agency of Delaware County also administers numerous weatherization services to low and moderate income eligible households. The weatherization assistance program was created to help families reduce their household energy costs through a variety of free home upgrades that focus on energy conservation measures which can include: attic insulation, caulking, weather-stripping, wall insulation, insulation of hot water tanks, attic ventilation, oil and gas heater repair or replacement, and primary window replacement.

The agency is located at 2nd & Orange Sts, Media, PA 19063, (610-891-5101). Contact them to learn more or apply for any program.

Community Action Agency of Delaware County Inc.- The organization has recently received a $10,000 donation from the major oil company ConocoPhillips. The funds will be used to support the non-profit agency’s efforts to help families in Delaware County who are facing a crisis, who need emergency help with bills, or who are striving for self-sufficiency.

CAADC will use the grant funds to pay for its assistance programs including debt assistance programs, emergency shelter, rental assistance, utility and heating bill assistance, weatherization, financial literacy education, budgeting programs and employment and job training programs.

Free dental and health care services

ChesPenn Health Services (610-485-3800) offers all people, regardless of their ability to pay, comprehensive family health and dental care, and the programs serve adults and children in the area. They also run an in-house pharmacy, provide access to Social Services, provide general check ups, and a wide variety of other medical services to low income and people with no or poor health coverage.

Emergency assistance programs

The Salvation Army of Chester runs several programs for Delaware County residents. The services and resources they offer to qualified individuals range from access to a pantry, and through financial grants. Specifically, the assistance includes:

• Rent and housing assistance : They offer financial assistance that may be needed to help people maintain their homes or apartments.
• Food assistance : Turn to the agency if you need help keeping food on your table. Receive free groceries and even holiday meals.
• Utility and heating bills : If you are faced with a disconnection of your utilities or water service, the agency can provide limited funding to help keep your service activated.

Call the Salvation Army at (610) 874-0423.