At this time, it is very important for residents to have secure housing and utilities available. To avoid or delay eviction, there are measures being put into place to ensure that residents can remain in their homes until the threat of COVID-19 has subsided. Utility providers in our region are also aware of the economic strain of COVID-19, and are providing grace periods to ensure customers do not experience hardship at this time. If you are in need of housing and utility assistance, contact the resources below.
RENT & MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
- A list of resources relating to housing/rent/mortgage from PA Housing Alliance
Rent Assistance
- Call Allegheny Link at 866-730-2368 for a referral to additional rental resources. Many organizations require a referral from Allegheny Link, including:
- A list of resources relating to housing/rent/mortgage from PA Housing Alliance
- Pittsburgh Presbyterian Lazarus (412-323-1400) can offer at most $250 in one time assistance to help with rental evictions, pay utility bills, and even such expenses as medical bills.
- Allegheny Valley Association of Churches. Call 724-226-0606 or visit www.avaoc.org
- Eligibility: Must live in the Allegheny Valley area (Brackenridge, Tarentum, East Deer, Fawn, Frazier, Harrison, Verona, New Kensington, Arnold, or Lower Burrell) and demonstrate financial need.
- North Hills Community Outreach. Call 412-487-6316 or email help@nhco.org.
- Eligibility: To qualify the individual or family must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Consumers must live in the following school districts: Hampton, North Hills, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, Northgate, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel, and Avonworth.
UTILITY ASSISTANCE
Electric/Gas
- Columbia Gas
- Any customer who has received a termination notice or is having trouble paying his/her bill should call 1-888-460-4332 to discuss payment arrangements and/or financial assistance programs.
- People’s Gas
- TIPS TO AVOID SCAMS: The COVID-19 outbreak has resulted in an increase in scam activity. We urge all customers to be cautious regarding any unsolicited calls that threaten to turn off your utility service or that demand payment, especially by unusual means, such as a gift card. If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up immediately and call us at 1-800-764-0111.
- Heating Assistance – LIHEAP info here
Internet
- Comcast has expanded its internet services for low-income families and individuals
- Go to: www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376
- Offering new, low-income Internet Essentials customers two months of free internet and raising the speed of that program’s service. Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available for free to all users and data plans will be paused for 60 days, giving customers unlimited data for no additional charge.
- Additionally, the company will not disconnect a customer’s internet service during this period or assess late fees if they contact the company regarding their inability to pay
- No Social Security number required to apply
- Will also be rolling out faster internet service to all Internet Essentials customers.
HOMELESS & DROP-IN SERVICES:
If you are homeless or at risk of losing shelter/housing in Allegheny County, call Allegheny Link (DHS) for a list of shelters and housing resources. Call the main hotline 866-730-2368; in-person & site visits are suspended, call to be helped remotely. Field Unit is functioning remotely. Interpretation is available
JFCS is working to continue to provide services to our community. If you are in need of non-emergency assistance, you can call us at 412-422-4200 for help connecting to appropriate resources. Do you need assistance accessing any of this information in another language or contacting service providers? Please call the ISAC hotline and leave a message at 412-742-4200 in your preferred language or submit a referral online.