October 1, 2024 Campaign Aims to Reduce Disparities in SUD-Related Deaths in Allegheny County An Allegheny County campaign has been launched to reduce the disparities in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) deaths as well as increase access to treatment and recovery services. Learn More Black residents in Allegheny County are more than three times more likely to die from drug overdoses than white residents, according to the Connect Protect Recover campaign. Additionally, Black and Brown communities in the county are disproportionately impacted by opioids and other drugs. Connect Protect Recover launched this year to ensure that residents of these communities have an equal voice in which potential solutions should be funded by the county. The campaign is asking for county residents to share their thoughts on how it should spend millions of dollars it will receive as part of the national Opioid Settlement Fund. It specifically seeks input on how to use the funds to: Support new and existing resources to address harms related to opioid use Help people with opioid addiction and related disorders Address harms caused to those impacted by the opioid epidemic The campaign hopes to hear from a broad and diverse range of community members, especially those in active addiction or with lived experience involving SUDs. Those interested can provide feedback on the campaign’s website. The public comment period ends on Thursday, Oct. 31.
July 10, 2024 Allegheny County Parents and Family Members Invited to Take Early Intervention Survey Parents and family members of children in Allegheny County are invited to participate in a survey regarding their experience with early intervention services in the county. Learn More The survey is intended for parents and family members whose children are currently receiving early intervention services or have received them in the past nine years. Participants will be asked about their experience with the early intervention process, which services their children received, and information about the participant’s family. Research from the survey, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes, will be used to learn about gaps within Allegheny County’s early intervention systems and services. Those who participate will have the opportunity to enter a raffle for a chance to win a $200 gift card. The survey is currently available online in English and Spanish. The deadline to participate in the survey has been extended to Aug. 19. Contact hbccprojects@erikson.edu with any questions.
June 10, 2024 DHS Renews Early Learning Resource Center’s Contract for Operation The state’s Department of Human Services has renewed its five-year contract with Allegheny County to operate the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC). Learn More The ELRC’s renewal comes with $39 million in funding over five years to staff and operate the center. ELRC 5 supports quality child care and administers the publicly-funded child care subsidy. During the first five years of the grant, DHS administered more than $200 million in child care subsidies. It also provided $120 million in stimulus funding to support Allegheny County’s child care provider network during the COVID-19 pandemic. ELRCs assist families in locating child care, determine eligibility for the child care subsidy, and provide other resource and referral services in the community. The centers also provide coaching and support to the child care provider network to improve and sustain high quality. Allegheny County was first awarded the contract for the ELRC Region 5 in 2018, which was the first time that the state opened it up for a bid. The county’s DHS partners with Trying Together and The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers to operate ELRC services. “Access to quality child care makes such an important impact on both the parent and the enrolled child,” said Becky Czekaj-Dengler, ELRC Region 5’s director. “During our first five years, we saw significant increases in both the percentage of eligible children living in low-income households taking advantage of the child care subsidy as well as the percentage of those same children attending the highest-quality child care settings. We appreciate the opportunity to build on that success.” Dalton added that DHS recognizes that a lack of affordable child care prevents parents and caregivers from finding and maintaining employment, accessing physical and behavioral health support, finding stable housing, and meeting basic needs. In response, DHS has increased access to crisis child care, hired resource navigators to connect families accessing child care to other resources in the county, and established a rapid response team to support child care providers and families with children at risk of being suspended or expelled from care. To learn more about Early Learning Resource Center 5, visit the center’s website.
April 8, 2024 Apply for Home Lead Paint Removal Allegheny County families who rent or own a home can apply for free home repairs involving lead paint. Learn More The Allegheny Lead-Safe Homes Program tests homes for lead and removes, replaces, and covers all areas in a home with damaged lead paint. Services include repairing and repainting chipped and peeling lead-painted surfaces as well as window and door repair or replacement and covering lead paint on the outside. Lead is a common ingredient in household paint in homes built before 1978. No level of lead is safe as it is toxic, especially for young children. Even low levels of lead can cause IQ loss, behavioral problems, developmental delays, and other health issues. What It Takes to Qualify Allegheny County homeowners might qualify if they have children, ages five or younger, or a pregnant woman living with or regularly visiting them. Renters might qualify if their landlord is willing to participate and give priority to low-income families with young children for a period of three years. Other qualifiers include whether a home was built before 1978 or if a household’s yearly pre-tax income falls below these limits: Family size of 1 – $56,250 Family size of 2 – $64,250 Family size of 3 – $72,300 Family size of 4 – $80,300 Family size of 5 – $86,750 Family size of 6 – $93,150 How to Apply Those interested should contact the Lead-Safe Homes Hotline by calling 412-227-5700, by visiting its website, or by emailing alleghenylead@actionhousing.org.
March 26, 2024 April 23 Primary Election Information and Key Dates Voters in Pennsylvania will cast their votes in the 2024 primary election on Tuesday, April 23. There are a number of factors to keep in mind for the primary, and it’s important to have a primary election voting plan in place. There’s still time to check your voter registration status and to review which options you have to cast your vote, whether it’s in person at your local polling place or by mail. Below are a list of important dates, places, and required actions for the 2024 primary election. Key Primary Election Dates Mark your calendar for these key dates. April 8, 2024 – Last day to register to vote before the April 23 election. April 16, 2024 – Last day to apply for absentee or mail-in ballot. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. The mail-in-ballot is also available in Spanish. April 23, 2024 – Last day to return mail-in or absentee ballots. Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Register to Vote The deadline to register to vote is April 8, 2024. If you are not registered, register now by completing the Voter Registration Application. If you are uncertain of your registration status, check it by using the Pennsylvania Department of State Voter Registration Status Tool. Voter Registration Applications are also available in Traditional Chinese and Spanish. Military and overseas voters should use the federal form when applying for an absentee ballot. Online voter registration is open until 11:59 p.m. on April 8. Find Your Polling Place For those voting in person, locate your polling place on election day with the Pennsylvania Department of State’s Polling Place Search Tool. Polls are open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Any person in line at 8 p.m. will still be allowed to vote. Poll Workers Allegheny County’s Elections Division is currently seeking and assigning poll workers.Those who participate can volunteer to serve as a judge, inspector, or clerk of election. Poll workers, also referred to as election officers, earn from $150 to $175 for the day. New poll workers also receive paid training. Learn more about the Poll Worker Application process if you are interested in participating as a poll worker in the April 23 primary election. First-Time Voter Information First-time voters – including individuals who are voting for the first time at a polling place – will be asked to show an approved form of identification. All IDs must be valid and not expired. Accepted forms of identification include: Approved forms of photo ID PA driver’s license or ID card issued by PennDOT ID issued by any other Commonwealth ID issued by the U.S. Government U.S. passport U.S. Armed Forces ID Student ID Employee ID Approved forms of non-photo ID (must include the name and address of the elector) Voter’s identification and card issued by the voter registration commission Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth Non-photo issued by the U.S. Government Firearm permit Current utility bill Current bank statement Current paycheck Government check Visit the Pennsylvania Voter Services website for any voting information questions. Learn More If you have questions about your registration status, polling place, or anything relating to the April 23 election, visit the Allegheny County Elections website or contact the county election office at 412-350-4500. Address Allegheny County Elections Division 542 Forbes Ave., Suite 312 Pittsburgh, PA 15219-2953 Hours Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December 8, 2023 2023 Food Resources Organizations around the Greater Pittsburgh area are providing food distributions and pantry resources to serve those needing assistance through December 2023. (This article was updated on December 8, 2023 to reflect the latest distribution events and schedules). FOOD ASSISTANCE UPDATES: SNAP Benefit Amount Increases October 2023 New Food Safety Fact Sheets Available Free Breakfast Offered for the 2023-24 School Year Resources for Changes to SNAP Benefits Food Distribution Events Walk-In Food Distribution at The Hub The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center, 7219 Kelly Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 | 12 – 5 p.m. Visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center every Monday from 12 – 5 p.m. to receive free food items, including sandwiches, fruit, baked goods, and more! Participants may pick up a variety of perishable food items on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last. This food distribution is walk-in only. Food items are provided by 412 Food Rescue. Visit Trying Together’s events webpage to view The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center food distribution schedule. For more information, call The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center at 412.545.5039. Veterans Leadership Program Pittsburgh Military Share Food Distribution 2934 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15201 | 12 p.m. – until supplies are gone. Monday, 12/11 All veterans in need of food are welcome. For more information, email info@vlpwpa.org. Community Human Services (CHS) Food Pantry Distribution 370 Lawn Street, Pittsburgh, Pa, 15213 Food consists of bread, pastries, bottled water, dairy items which include butter, cheese, milk, and eggs, household goods such as paper towels, pet food (cats/dogs), fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, canned goods, pasta, and meat options which include pork, turkey, fish, and beef. There are no income eligibility requirements to access this pantry. Walk up distribution only. No delivery. The only requirement to access the pantry is to complete a brief demographic intake form which can be completed on the day. Intake forms do not ask for ID or immigration status. Wednesday, 12/13 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/14 | 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesday 12/20 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/21 | 3 – 6 p.m. Wednesday, 12/27 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday, 12/28 | 3 – 6 p.m. Any questions can go directly to the head of the pantry at cmcwhertor@chscorp.org or 412.246.1639. Islamic Center of Pittsburgh Food Distribution 4100 Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15213 | Saturday, 12/16 | 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. The food pantry is open for walk-ins every third Saturday of each month. Please register for a box from the food pantry prior to arrival. The registration form opens on the last week of each month and closes on the first week of the new month. For more information, email foodpantry@icp-pgh.org or text us at 412.206.1993. Baldwin Community UMC Lord’s Pantry 5001 Baptist Road, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15236 | Friday, 12/15 (a week earlier due to Christmas)| 12 – 2:30 p.m. This is a drive through food distribution held on the fourth Thursday of the month in the church circle. Please do not arrive before 9:30 a.m. to get in line. For more information or to help with the distribution, contact Susan Eyrolles at 412.882.9300, ext. 229 or email seyrolles@baldwincommunityumc.com. Veterans Leadership Program Johnstown Military Share Food Distribution 727 Goucher Street, Johnstown, Pa. 15905 | Friday, 12/22 | 12 p.m. – until supplies are gone. All veterans in need of food are welcome. For more information, email info@vlpwpa.org. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Distribution Schedules Allegheny County Drive-Up Distribution Schedule Allegheny Valley JC Penney at the Galleria, 590 Pittsburgh Mills Boulevard, Tarentum, PA. 15084 Tuesday, 12/12 | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. McKeesport Founders Hall Middle School, 1960 Eden Park Boulevard, McKeesport, PA. 15132 Saturday, 12/16 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. West End Ascension Church, 114 Berry Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15205 Tuesday, 12/19 | 4:30 – 6 p.m. Wilkinsburg (This distribution will have pre-packed boxes) 225 Penn Avenue (Intersection of Penn Avenue and North Trenton), Pittsburgh, PA. 15221 Saturday, 12/02 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Allegheny County Walk-In Distribution Schedule Oakland/Schenley Plaza 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15260 Wednesday, 12/06 | 3:30 – 5 p.m. Southside (This distribution will have pre-packed boxes) Southside Market House, 12th and Bingham Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15203 Wednesday, 12/20 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. Homewood Faison K-5, 7430 Tioga Street, Pittsburgh, PA. 15208 Saturday, 12/09 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Northside Pittsburgh King PreK-8, 50 Montgomery Place, Pittsburgh, PA. 15212 Saturday, 12/09 | 10 – 11:30 a.m. Additional Resources Local Resources Find food distributions and access based on zip code or region by visiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Find Food online tool. For other resources, visit the Resource Beyond Food webpage. If you are a senior, or know a senior, that needs food assistance, visit the Senior Boxes webpage to learn more. Share this flyer with your networks. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Market is an onsite pantry where eligible neighbors can shop for grocery items at no cost. Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. 1 – 4p.m. *Please arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to closing. Find more information and the 2023 distribution calendar.
June 29, 2023 ELRC Region 5 Requesting Feedback on Evening Phone Hours The Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 is asking Allegheny County families and child care providers to complete a brief survey on evening phone hour offerings. ELRC Region 5 currently offers evening phone hours from 5 – 7 p.m. on Tuesdays. However, center leaders seek to find the best day and time to offer evening service to county families and child care providers. By completing the survey, respondents allow ELRC Region 5 to better serve the community. The survey is just five questions. All responses are confidential and will not be shared. Access and Take the Survey Access and take the survey on SurveyMonkey. Learn More To learn more, visit the ELRC Region 5 website or call 1.888.340.3572 or 412.350.3577 for assistance.
June 28, 2023 Allegheny County Family Resource Map Highlights Supports for Locals Did you know the Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5 offers an interactive, online tool to help families navigate area programs and services? The Allegheny County Family Resource Map provides caregivers of young children and other residents in Allegheny County the opportunity to locate available supports closest to them. About the Allegheny County Family Resource Map Launched in 2020, the map highlights the addresses, phone numbers, and websites of a variety of family supports, including those on: aging care and education employment family activities food health housing new parents outdoors and recreation transportation, and wi-fi locations Through the map, families can find countywide resources and services closest to them, such as senior community centers, family centers, early learning programs, public schools, WIC offices, parks, libraries, food pantries, diaper banks, clinics, public housing, Port Authority bus stops, and more. Access the Map Access the map here or visit the ELRC Region 5 website. Learn More For questions or to submit a map suggestion, please contact ELRC Region 5 at 412.350.3577 or elrc5@alleghenycounty.us.
May 31, 2023 Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition Hosting Community Feedback Meetings The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition and the City of Pittsburgh are hosting a series of community feedback meetings on their Allegheny County Digital Equity Plan and are inviting community members to come discuss their digital needs with community leaders. Held at various locations throughout the summer, all residents of Allegheny County are encouraged to attend. About Community Feedback Meetings What are the community feedback meetings? At community feedback meetings, community leaders will ask attendees for feedback on the draft Digital Equity Plan for Allegheny County and ask questions about digital technology in attendees lives. Why are these meetings taking place? The Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition needs to ensure that their Digital Equity Plan addresses residents’ digital needs. The coalition must understand what residents need so they can use any funding offered to give all residents equal access to digital technology and information. Who participates in meetings? Meetings will consist of Allegheny County residents and community leaders. Leaders involved in the Pittsburgh Digital Equity Coalition, the City of Pittsburgh, and Allegheny County will lead the meetings and collect feedback from residents. When will the meetings take place? Meetings will be held throughout the summer of 2023. To see a complete schedule of meetings, visit the City of Pittsburgh website. Where will the meetings take place? The coalition will host meetings in locations across Allegheny County. Additionally, they will host a number of virtual meetings. To find a full list of meeting dates, times, locations, and registration links, visit the City of Pittsburgh website. Learn More To learn more, visit the City of Pittsburgh website.
May 4, 2023 Live Well Allegheny Launches “Rethink Your Drink” Campaign to Promote Healthy Water Drinking Habits Live Well Allegheny has launched a campaign to promote healthier beverage choices called “Rethink Your Drink.” The campaign provides education on the effects of consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, like sodas and most juices, and encourages water as the best drink option to build healthy habits in children and teens. How To Participate in the Campaign Allegheny County residents, schools, municipalities, afterschool programs, child care centers or providers, and community partners are encouraged by Live Well Allegheny to get involved in the campaign through a variety of methods. Visit the Rethink Your Drink campaign webpage to find more resources and information, including a campaign toolkit. The toolkit includes: Activity ideas for things to do at home, a community event, school fair, or summer camp; social media messages; and resources about the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages for children and families. Those interested in participating can access free campaign materials, including water bottles, through the Rethink Your Drink Campaign Request Form. About Live Well Allegheny Live Well Allegheny, an initiative of the Allegheny County Health Department, is a county-wide campaign to improve the overall health and wellness of Allegheny County residents. Visit the Live Well Allegheny website to learn more about the program and the Rethink Your Drink campaign.
