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
Keystone Counts Shares Update on the 2020 Census in Pennsylvania
Keystone Counts recently shared an update on the 2020 Census in Pennsylvania. LAMPa is one of the more than 100 coalition members of Keystone Counts, a statewide coalition of advocacy groups, service providers, and community organizations joined together to build an education and outreach effort for a fair and
ELCA Advocacy Introduces “Virtual Visits” Resources
During a time of physical distancing when policy makers are less able to be out in their districts, it is important that constituents take opportunities to communicate their experience and opinions about the heightened public health and economic challenges. There may be something invigorating about walking up to a pillared
ELCA Presiding Bishop Responds to Supreme Court Decision on DACA Program
June 18, 2020 This church urges “flexible and humane ways for undocumented persons who have been in this country for a specified amount of time to be able to adjust their legal status.” — ELCA social message, “Immigration” (1998) Today I rejoice in the renewal of dreams and the transformation
Pennsylvania’s Response to the 2020 Census
As of May 24, 2020, Pennsylvania households have responded to the 2020 Census above the national average. The national response to the census, thus far, is 60.1%, with Pennsylvania's response rate being 63.1.% according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Pennsylvania ranks 16th in the response rate out of 50
