New Data Reveals Extent of Students Experiencing Homelessness
More and more of Pennsylvania’s school-age children were experiencing homelessness even before the pandemic, according to a newly released report by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The study accumulates the locally reported totals of homeless children under five and those enrolled in pre-K through twelfth grade across eight regions of
RISE PA Stakeholder Webinars Announced
The Pa. Department of Human Services (DHS) is planning a series of webinars to introduce the Resource Information and Services Enterprise – or RISE PA – an upcoming statewide resource and referral tool that will enable advocates and individuals in need to more quickly identify appropriate service providers, including social ministry
Join LAMPa Seminary Intern for Weekly Compline
Join LAMPa United Lutheran Seminary (ULS) Intern Margaret (Meg) Folkemer for a weekly Compline Service. Since early pandemic days, Meg has been leading a compline or night prayer service every Wednesday evening live on Facebook with her family. According to Meg, "we started it as a simple way to
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2021 Priorities
LAMPa's policy council met virtually on Dec. 3, 2021, and approved the following policy priorities for 2021. They are based on the experience of our ministries, guided by ELCA Social Statements and LAMPa's mission: "In response to God's love in Jesus Christ, we advocate for wise and just policies in
United Way of PA Updates ALICE Reports
United Way of Pennsylvania's new fact sheets by Senate and House districts show how many ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families are struggling to afford child care across the Commonwealth. ALICE accounts for the 1.8 million households earning a wage more than the federal poverty level but still struggling
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
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
