Resources Road-tested by Moms Like Us
Help with Housing
First, call Erie County Care Management (ECCM) at 814-SHELTER (743-5837).
Below are some local organizations that may help with rent, security deposit, or mortgage, or offer services if your family is homeless/at risk of becoming homeless. You can request a particular program or organization, but ECCM will know which organization(s) currently have available resources to meet your needs. Call ECCM first, then contact the agency they refer you to.
St. Martin Center Rent, Security Deposit, Mortgage Assistance
Community Shelter Services Emergency shelter
https://communityshelter.org/
Housing
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Housing Programs
https://www.gecac.org/work/housing/housing-and-rental-assistance
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
HELP WITH UTILITIES
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
LIHEAP helps eligible low-income households pay heating and cooling bills and can provide crisis grants for fuel emergencies. Apply through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services county assistance office or local LIHEAP intake agency. Contact Erie County assistance for details on application periods, required documents, and local intake sites.
National Fuel — Customer Assistance & Referral Evaluation Services (CARES)
Phone: (800) 365-3234
Description: National Fuel assists customers seeking help with their gas bills and offers a variety of payment and assistance programs.
How to apply: Call CARES or visit National Fuel’s customer assistance/payment assistance programs page to review options and eligibility.
Penelec (FirstEnergy) — Customer Assistance Programs
Description: Penelec provides multiple assistance programs for residential customers. Eligibility and available programs depend on income and household circumstances.
How to apply: Use Penelec’s assistance program search or contact their customer service to determine which programs you qualify for and how to apply.
Dollar Energy Fund
Description: Dollar Energy grants are available to help eligible customers with electric bills regardless of service status. You must be enrolled in PCAP (Percentage of Income Payment Plan) before applying.
How to apply: Contact local agencies that administer Dollar Energy Fund grants or the Dollar Energy Fund intake providers to learn about requirements and enrollment in PCAP.
Additional steps and tips
Gather documentation before applying: proof of income, ID, recent utility bills, rent/mortgage statements, and any notice of shutoff or past-due bills.
Contact utility customer service early if you’re behind. Many utilities offer payment plans, budget billing, or crisis assistance programs.
Apply for LIHEAP during open intake periods and ask about crisis grants if you’re facing an emergency shutoff or lack of heating fuel.
Local community action agencies and churches often administer utility assistance programs and can help with applications.
If you want, I can assemble phone numbers, local intake sites, and step-by-step application instructions specific to Erie County (including addresses and required documents). Which details would you like included? Dollar Energy: FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Hardship Program - Dollar Energy Fund
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Housing
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
Women’s/Family
Homeless Programs
FIRST Call Erie County Care Management (ECCM) at 814-SHELTER (743-5837). All residents in the City of Erie and Erie County requesting financial support for rent, security deposit, or first month's rent must first call ECCM for an assessment and referral.
Erie United Methodist Alliance (EUMA) — Emergency shelter and housing assistance for women and families
https://www.euma.org
Everything we do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed—because when you thrive, so do we.
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