Social Services Resources
South Park Township Library has compiled a listing of social services resources available to community members. Below is a list of resources to help those in need of food, shelter, health care, transportation, children's after school programs, and more.
General Directory
Jefferson Community Collaborative
The Jefferson Community Collaborative is a network of community-serving organizations who are committed to working together to improve health and well-being in parts of Pittsburgh’s South Hills and Mon Valley, referred to by the Jefferson Regional Foundation as the Jefferson service area. The Collaborative is an incubator for community building, a tool for improving the capacity of community-serving organizations and facilitating collective action that advances community aspirations.
- Local Organizations
South Hills Interfaith Ministries (SHIM) - Mission: SHIM mobilizes community resources and implements sustainable programs that compassionately help our neighbors meet basic needs, achieve self-sufficiency and build community.
Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh (BCAP) - Support to Bhutanese Refugees/other refugees and immigrants: Offers services to immigrants/refugees primarily from Bhutan and also to those from other ethnic backgrounds who have difficulty navigating a new culture, education, healthcare, transportation, child care, legal and immigration services, etc. Services include outreach on mental health issues, youth programs, senior programs, English as a second language, health literacy programs, tours/recreation, and a women’s leadership program, senior support, citizenship, voter engagement, assistance with public benefit applications, and many more that pertains to all families in need.
- Domestic Abuse
Center for Victims Domestic Violence Shelter - Center for Victims Domestic Violence Shelter: Emergency shelter and transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children. Offers legal advocacy including court accompaniment. – 410 9th Street, McKeesport, PA 15132. – Bethany Wingerson, 412-678-4620 x601, bwingerson@centerforvictims.org.
Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh - WC&S provides free and confidential services for all domestic violence victims regardless of race, gender, sexual identity, or any other factor. 24/7 Hotline - 412-687-8005. Connect with an advocate by texting (412) 744-8445.
- Health Care
Medical Assistance - Medical Assistance (MA), also known as Medicaid, pays for health care services for eligible individuals.
Trevor Project - A national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.
- Local Food
Food Resources for Pennsylvanians - Provides a list of resources available for PA residents.
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank - Provides food for pantries, meal programs and other social service partners or directly to people in need. They also host direct food distributions.
- Food
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can obtain more nutritious diets with SNAP increasing their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets.
Pennsylvania Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) - WIC helps pregnant women, mothers and caregivers of infants and young children learn about good nutrition to keep themselves and their families healthy. It provides nutrition services, breastfeeding support, health care and social service referrals and healthy foods to eligible participants.
- Shelter
East End Cooperative Ministry - East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM) responds to changing community needs through its many programs and services including food, shelter, and employment services for all ages.
Bethlehem Haven - Provides temporary shelter for homeless women.
Light of Life - Provides shelter for people regardless of gender.
- Transportation
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) - PRT provides safe, reliable and affordable public transportation throughout Allegheny County. Learn more about bus schedules, various transportation methods, and fare information including how to apply for reduced fares.
ACCESS Transportation Systems - ACCESS is a door-to-door, advance reservation, shared–ride transportation program provided throughout Allegheny County and to destinations in adjoining counties within 1.5 miles of the Allegheny County. There are several special discount programs for individual riders, as well as service provided for groups, human service agencies and other organizations that purchase transportation for their clients. ACCESS service is also open to the general public at full fare rates. Reservations for ACCESS trips are made in advance. To place trip reservations, riders call the ACCESS service telephone number of the service provider in their neighborhood.
ACCESS service is provided seven days per week, at a minimum from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.* There are no restrictions on the purpose or number of trips that may be taken by ACCESS riders, except that riders are required to share the vehicle with other riders who are traveling at the same time in the same direction. Ride sharing helps to make the best use of available vehicles and keep costs down.
- Children's After School Programs
Pleasant Hills Community Presbyterian Church - Pleasant Hills Church: Youth Programs: Child/Youth Programs – Offers a free afterschool program for students (6 to 8th grades) every Tuesday 2:30 – 4 pm, a Tuesday evening program (6-8 pm) for students in 6 to 8th grades, and a free Tuesday evening program from 6:30pm-9:30pm for students in grades 9-12. Debbie Tobias, 412-655-2000, x143, debbie@pleasanthillschurch.com.Melting Pot Ministries - 5225 Library Road, Bethel Park, PA 15102 (412) 310-8189
Melting Pot Ministries: Learning Konnections: Offers a free after school and summer camp program for grades K-9 and a Teen Center for grades 9-12 to students in South Park, Bethel Park, and Baldwin-Whitehall school districts. Provides a family program designed to increase parent engagement and strengthen families. – Chrystal Matuscak, 412-310-8189 ext.4, CMATUSCAK@MELTINGPOTMINISTRIES.ORG.
