Gov. Wolf Announces Changes to Rent Relief Program
Gov. Wolf announced a significant change to the CARES Rent Relief Program. Getting landlords to participate in the program has been one of the barriers to the program's success. Currently, renters only get up to $750 in rental aid and landlords must accept that as payment in full for that
Women of the ELCA Release Updated Resource: “Called to be Political (But I Don’t Want to be Political!)”
Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) have released a new updated version of "Called to Be Political (but I don't want to be political!)". This resource, easily adapted for virtual use, is designed to be used with Faith Formation, Sunday School, young adult or small group
Help Eligible People Claim Stimulus Payments: Deadline is October 15
According to the Center on Budget Policy and Priorities, five million Americans who were hit hardest by the current health and economic crisis risk missing out on $6 billion in CARES Act stimulus payments if they don’t file the required online form before October 15. Many of our most
USDA Injunction a Victory for Commonwealth’s SNAP Recipients
In the wave of systemic issues bubbling to the surface of our collective state and national attention, hunger has not been left out. “Because of the pandemic, I cannot buy all the food I need for proper nutrition. I sometimes don’t have enough food, and skip meals.” said Latoya
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Disregard for Human Life and Dignity at Private Detention Facility
“As Christ on the cross did not lose his dignity, but in fact revealed himself fully in vulnerability, every human who is being mistreated retains the image of God that confers dignity. A society should not deny a person's dignity for any reason.” —ELCA social message “Human Rights,” p. 4 On
USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids Through Year-end & Allows Summer Meals to Continue
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced they will extend free meals for kids through Dec. 31, and will continue to allow summer meal program operators to serve free meals to all children into the fall months. This will help ensure that children have access to nutritious food as the
Home Utility Assistance is Available in Pennsylvania: Apply by August 31
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Teresa Miller reminds Pennsylvanians of the availability of assistance in paying certain utility bills through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Recovery Crisis program ahead of the program’s end on August 31. “We know that the COVID-19 public health crisis
Exercise Your Civic Duty and Prepare to Vote
"Christians are called to be stewards of our common life through serving as faithful and active citizens. We live out our mutual responsibility for one another by guaranteeing our neighbor's right to vote and participate freely and fully in society." -- The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
PA Council of Churches seeks Executive Director
The Pennsylvania Council of Churches continues its search for an executive director, with a deadline of August 31 for applications. They hope to find “a faithful and resourceful Christian disciple to lead the PCC in addressing the many issues and challenges facing the Christian community today and in the future.”
Rental and Mortgage COVID Relief Funds Available
Applications for $175 million of state funding for rental and mortgage assistance are now available, and the funds will be distributed in counties on a first-come, first-serve basis. The program is managed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA). Visit www.PHFA.org for details and eligibility criteria. PHFA recently shared implementation