Gov. Wolf Announces Proposed Overhaul of State Public Benefits Programs
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf recently announced a proposed overhaul of state programs to help Pennsylvanians receiving public benefits earn career-building skills, find good jobs, and access affordable, permanent housing, among other goals. The overhaul would create greater accountability for programs aimed at getting people into the workforce, increase
Central Pennsylvania Food Bank Stops Special Hours as Federal Shutdown Ends
Harrisburg, PA – The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank announced today that it has stopped the special Hub service hours that it had begun two weeks ago to serve federal workers and contractor employees impacted by the Federal Shutdown. However, the Food Bank’s leadership is concerned that some impacted families may
Resources for Walking Together During the Government Shutdown
During this government shutdown, those affected are at the front of our minds – and we know you share in this care and concern, too. The current shutdown impacts many of us and our neighbors – from furloughed federal workers waiting for paychecks to hungry families worrying that the help
Federal Shutdown, Waiver Proposals Threaten SNAP, Put Residents at Risk
By Sheila Christopher, Executive Director Hunger-Free Pennsylvania Two recent developments in the federal government could spell disaster for thousands of Pennsylvanians who receive monthly food benefits. If President Trump keeps the government shut down through February, as he recently suggested, monthly food benefits could stop. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or
LAMPa Policy Council Sets 2019 Priorities & Elects New Officers
The Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) Policy Council met on December 6, 2018, to set their agenda priorities for the upcoming term of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Following a thoughtful, engaging and lengthy conversation among those present the following priorities were identified: Hunger; Creation Care; Poverty; and the 2020
LSS Bishop’s Christmas Message on Immigration
December 18, 2018 Tuesday of the 3rd Week of Advent Dear partner in ministry: A Pastoral Christmas Message on Immigration They were a family of modest means, working folks, who wanted only to live peacefully in their homeland and give their baby son a good life. Unfortunately, instability and
SEPA Bishop Davenport Honored
Bishop Patricia A. Davenport was honored recently with citations from Mayor Jim Kenney and the state House of Representatives at a reception at City Hall on Dec. 13. Various city officials shared remarks during the ceremony. State Rep. Joanna McClinton, a Democrat who represents the 191st District covering parts of
Number of Uninsured Children in Pennsylvania Remains Steady
According to a new report released by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, Pennsylvania’s rate of uninsured children has remained steady for the past three years. About 125,000 or 4.4 percent of Pennsylvania children 18 and younger were uninsured in 2017. Nationwide, the number of uninsured children increased
There are Only Enough Permanent Housing Placements for About One-Third of Families Experiencing Homelessness
Each year, approximately 45,000 rapid re-housing placements are available to assist homeless families into rental housing and to connect them with services. For families with higher needs, approximately 7,500 units of permanent supportive housing are also available each year. These are vital resources but are no match for the 150,000 families who become homeless each year. Without appropriate permanent housing resources, homeless service systems can’t
Housing Alliance Releases New Report: Revitalizing Pennsylvania
A new report released by the Housing Alliance called "Revitalizing Pennsylvania" looks at ways towns and cities across the state have successfully turned around blighted properties and recommends ways others can do the same in the future. “How do we really create communities where people are proud to live there
