Allegheny County has several church-affiliated assistance programs that provide essential aid for housing, utilities, food, and emergency financial crises. Since funding can vary and many programs require verification of location or income, we recommend contacting these organizations directly or calling Allegheny Link at 866-730-2368 for a direct referral.
Major Church Assistance Programs in Allegheny County
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh serves as the region’s primary social services agency, offering comprehensive assistance programs to all Allegheny County residents, regardless of religious affiliation. Its goal is to help individuals and families overcome immediate financial crises and move toward long-term stability.
Utility and Energy Bill Assistance
The agency acts as a liaison for several major energy grant programs. Staff can assist you in completing applications and managing approvals for:
Duquesne Light CAP: Reduces monthly electricity bills for income-eligible customers.
Dollar Energy Fund: Hardship grants to prevent utility shut-offs or restore service.
LIHEAP Assistance: A federal support program for winter heating costs.
Contact: Email utilityassistance@ccpgh.org directly.
Housing and Basic Needs Support
Emergency Financial Assistance: Provides emergency funds to address immediate crises related to past-due rent, security deposits, emergency food, and essential transportation.
St. Joseph House of Hospitality: A residential program for men over the age of 49 who lack stable housing or are experiencing homelessness. It offers short-term housing, case management, and three meals a day. Call 412-471-0666 to inquire about waiting list availability.
Free Health Care Center
Services: Operates a dedicated clinic offering primary medical care, dental services, and chronic disease management assistance—all completely free of charge.
Eligibility: Aimed at residents of the diocese who lack health insurance or cannot afford medical care through other means.
Pregnancy and Parenting Services
Education: Free classes on co-parenting and life skills for parents. Material Assistance: Direct access to free baby supplies, including formula, diapers, and clothing.
Main Intake Phone Number: Call 412-456-6999.
Walk-in service: Open every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for an immediate assessment of basic needs.
What to bring: Always bring valid identification, proof of household income, and a copy of your utility shut-off notice or lease agreement if you are requesting financial assistance.
Pittsburgh Presbytery Lazarus Fund
The Pittsburgh Presbytery Lazarus Fund provides emergency micro-grants of up to $400 to help low-income Allegheny County residents facing immediate housing or utility crises. The program is open to all community members who meet financial criteria, meaning you do not need to be a member of a Presbyterian church to receive aid.
The fund provides one-time assistance specifically to stop severe hardships. Approved grants are never paid directly to the individual; instead, check payments are sent straight to the vendor, landlord, or utility company.
How to Apply
You cannot apply directly to the central office. Instead, applications are processed in partnership with local Presbyterian congregations.
Find a Participating Church: Call the Pittsburgh Presbytery main office at 412-323-1400. Provide your neighborhood or ZIP code, and they will direct you to the nearest participating intake church. (For example, residents in the McKeesport area can contact Sampson’s Mills Presbyterian Church at 412-678-5355).
Complete the Interview: You will complete a 30-to-45-minute phone intake interview with a church volunteer to fill out the application.
Provide Verification: You must have copies of your utility balances, lease agreements, or eviction/shut-off notices ready to share during the intake.
Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC)
The Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC) provides emergency basic needs assistance to residents living in the Allegheny Valley region (Northeast Allegheny County and Northwest Westmoreland County). Composed of over 50 member congregations, AVAC delivers financial, housing, and food aid without regard to religious affiliation.
Emergency Financial Assistance
AVAC administers Community Services Block Grant funding to assist families facing sudden financial hardships.
Housing Costs: Grants for past-due rent or mortgage payments to prevent eviction and homelessness.
Utility Crisis Support: Critical help paying utility bills or handling vital household emergency repairs.
Medical & Vouchers: Short-term help with emergency prescription costs, alongside clothing and shoe vouchers.
Income Eligibility: Households must generally have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines and present formal documentation of their crisis.
Job & School Transportation Aid
Recognizing that reliable transportation is essential for economic self-sufficiency, AVAC offers a specific transportation assistance program. Recipients of these funds can obtain help with:
- Direct car payments or critical automotive repairs
- Car insurance payments
- Gas vouchers or regional bus passes
- Child safety seats
Requirement: Funds must directly support the client’s ability to commute to work, seek employment, or attend classes.
Food banks and nutritional assistance
AVAC Food Bank: Provides food twice a month to registered residents who meet low-income criteria (below 150% of the poverty threshold). Items include meat, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and canned goods. Registration takes place every Wednesday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Produce to People: Large-scale distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.
Shelter for homeless families
Family Promise of AVAC: A specialized program offering temporary emergency shelter, three meals a day, and comprehensive case management for families experiencing sudden loss of housing.
Note: To access this specific shelter network, families must obtain an official referral by calling Allegheny Link at 866-730-2368.
How to request assistance
General assistance line: Call 724-226-0606 (extension 110 for energy or emergency assistance, or extension 10 for the lead assistance coordinator).
In-person service office: Located at 1913 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065.
Target zip codes: Primarily serves local valley communities, including 15014 (Brackenridge), 15024 (Cheswick), 15030 (Creighton), 15065 (Natrona Heights), 15068 (New Kensington), 15084 (Tarentum), and 15144 (Springdale).
North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO)
North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO) is an interfaith, non-profit organization that offers over 20 completely free services to low-income individuals and families facing crises, financial hardship, or poverty in northern Allegheny County. Because their programs address both immediate emergencies and long-term stability, they charge no fees for their support.
Emergency assistance for utilities and rent
NHCO administers a financial emergency program that makes direct payments to providers to alleviate unexpected household crises.
Housing assistance: Direct micro-grants to cover past-due rent and security deposits in order to prevent imminent eviction.
Utility assistance: Application processing for major state and local utility assistance programs, including LIHEAP, LIHEAP Crisis, the Dollar Energy Fund, and local utility companies’ Customer Assistance Programs (CAP).
Job-Based Transportation Financial Aid
Recognizing that transportation is a significant barrier to employment, NHCO offers a specific financial assistance program for transportation needs.
Coverage: Assistance may cover vehicle repairs, overdue car insurance payments, fuel cards, and PRT CONNECT bus passes.
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have a gross household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level and demonstrate that the transportation assistance directly contributes to stabilizing current employment, a job search, or a job training goal.
Vehicle Ownership: NHCO partners with Community Auto to offer affordable vehicle options to low-income families.
Food Pantries and Seasonal Assistance Programs
Three Regional Food Pantries: NHCO operates food pantries in Allison Park, Millvale, and Avalon (North Boroughs), providing families with flexible access to fresh food, meat, and non-perishable items.
Seasonal Assistance Projects: These provide vulnerable families with winter coats, Thanksgiving dinner packages, holiday toys, spring cleaning kits, and back-to-school backpacks.
“Pathways” Self-Sufficiency Program
For families seeking to break cycles of economic hardship, the Pathways program provides a dedicated service coordinator who offers personalized, long-term support. Staff work with you to create personal action plans, teach budgeting skills, assist with job searches, and facilitate enrollment in government benefit programs such as SNAP or medical assistance.
Free Legal and Tax Services
“Ask the Attorney” Consultation: Offers eligible low-income residents a free 30-minute legal consultation with a volunteer attorney regarding civil matters.
Free Tax Preparation: Offers seasonal income tax filing assistance to working families, in partnership with United Way.
How to Access Assistance
Central Intake Line: Call 412-487-6316 or email help@nhco.org to begin the intake process.
Service Area: Primarily serves communities in northern Allegheny County located outside the city of Pittsburgh (such as Hampton, Shaler, Ross Township, North Hills, and McCandless). They also operate satellite offices for appointments in McKees Rocks and Turtle Creek.
The Salvation Army
The Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army operates multiple worship and service centers throughout Allegheny County, providing emergency social services, rent assistance, utility aid, and hunger relief to individuals and families facing sudden financial crises. Since financial assistance resources are decentralized, you must apply directly through the specific “Corps” or service center that serves your zip code.
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
The Salvation Army serves as an official intake site for major regional assistance funds aimed at preventing immediate utility shutoffs.
Dollar Energy Fund: Case managers can process applications on-site to secure emergency assistance for gas, water, or electricity bills.
Emergency Fuel and Heating Assistance: Provides seasonal funds to help low-income households purchase heating oil, propane, or firewood during periods of extreme winter cold.
Rental Assistance and Homeless Services
Eviction Prevention: Offers emergency rental assistance to help families maintain safe housing. For example, the Homewood-Brushton Corps program assists households that meet income guidelines, are currently employed, and have received an official eviction notice.
Temporary Housing: Operates the Family Caring Center (located at 6017 Broad Street in East Liberty), which provides a spacious shelter environment where families can stay together while transitioning to stable, long-term housing.
Food Pantries and Material Assistance
Choice-Based Emergency Food Pantries: Various centers provide families with fresh meat, non-perishable food items, and dairy products to combat food insecurity.
Project Bundle-Up: A specialized Western Pennsylvania program that provides new winter coats, hats, mittens, and boots to low-income children and seniors throughout the county.
Key Allegheny County Centers
Pittsburgh Temple Corps (South Hills): 1060 McNeilly Road | 412-207-2127
East Liberty Family Caring Center: 6017 Broad Street | 412-362-0891
Homewood-Brushton Corps: 8020 Frankstown Avenue | 412-242-1434
Allegheny Valley Corps (Brackenridge): 917 Brackenridge Avenue | 724-224-6310
North Boroughs Center (Avalon): 327 S Home Avenue | 412-761-4343
Call the Western Pennsylvania Division headquarters at 412-446-1500 to locate the center assigned to your neighborhood.
Emergency food banks and local ministries
Wilkinsburg Community Ministry: Located at 702 Wood Street; offers local emergency food support (412-241-8072).
Light of Life Rescue Mission: Located on the North Side; offers daily meal programs, emergency shelter, and residential recovery services (412-803-4120).
Bible Center Church: Coordinates regular food distributions—including fresh produce and non-perishable items—for local residents.
Tips for requesting assistance from churches
Call early in the month: Many church assistance funds receive their budget at the beginning of the month and run out quickly.
Have documentation ready: Be prepared to present an eviction notice, a utility shut-off notice, proof of income, and identification.
Seek a referral: Many local churches only pay a portion of the bill and expect you to have a referral code or additional funding from Allegheny Link.
