Gov. Wolf Announces New Funding Available to Protect Homeless Pennsylvanians During COVID-19 Resurgence
Gov. Tom Wolf announced that nearly $20 million is now available to assist Pennsylvanians currently experiencing homelessness. The commonwealth received its second allocation of federal COVID-19 Homeless Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG-CV) funds, and the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) has set aside a portion of those funds
Bishop Eaton Shares Post Election Message
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks to the church about the election in a video message. The following is the video transcript: Today, the uncertainty of this election is causing anxiety and stress for many, not only in our church, but also across our nation
CARES Rental/Mortgage Assistance Application Deadline Draws Near
The deadline for the Pennsylvania COVID-19 rental and mortgage assistance relief program is quickly approaching. The November 4 deadline will pass with the PA Senate failing to pass a bill (HB 2868) to make the application process more tenable. This inaction impacts thousands of Commonwealth residents who struggle daily to
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Opens Nov. 2
The Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) opens November 2, 2020 and is scheduled to close on April 9, 2021. LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis
ELCA Provides Worship Resources for a National Election
Many of us feel pulled to prayer in the lead up to the election. The new ELCA Worship resource, “Worship Resources for a National Election" contains crafted prayers and suggestions for sacred music to guide worship, prayer, vigils, and devotions preceding or following the election. These resources are offered in
U.S. Supreme Court Renders PA Election Ballot Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court rendered a decision Monday that will allow Pennsylvania to count mailed-in ballots received up to three days after the Nov. 3 election. The justices were divided 4-4, an outcome that upholds a state Supreme Court ruling that required county election officials to receive and count
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
USDA Extends Free Meals for Kids for Entire School Year
Thank you to advocates who urged the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend flexibilities to allow free meals to continue to be available to all children throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year. This unprecedented move helps ensure that all children across America have access to nutritious food as the
PUC Ending Moratorium on Utility Shut-offs
As the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) ends the moratorium on utility shut-offs, they have adopted a series of enhanced consumer protections intended to safeguard families and small businesses who are struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic – and also established a framework for future discussions about utility
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
