Churches That Help with Bills in Allegheny County

Several church networks and religious charitable organizations in Allegheny County offer direct emergency financial assistance to help low-income households pay for utilities, rent, and other essential expenses. Depending on available funds, these organizations may provide aid to cover utility bills, rent, food, prescription medication costs, transportation, and other basic expenses. Most programs require applicants to demonstrate financial need and meet eligibility requirements.

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh offers emergency assistance to meet basic needs—such as housing, utilities, food, and medical care—to all community members, regardless of religious affiliation.

Utility and bill assistance: Manages applications for hardship assistance funds from major utility companies. They offer specific assistance for enrolling in Duquesne Light’s Customer Assistance Program (CAP) and help with LIHEAP or Dollar Energy Fund applications.

Housing stability: Case managers provide emergency funds for rent or mortgage payments to low-income families facing immediate housing crises or the risk of eviction.

Free medical care center: Operates a specialized downtown center offering free medical and dental care designed specifically for workers who are uninsured or underinsured.

Pregnancy and parenting support: Provides free essential baby care items (formula, diapers, clothing) and structured parenting classes for families with children up to two years of age.

Address: 111 Boulevard of the Allies, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Contact: (412) 456-6999

The Lazarus Fund (Presbytery of Pittsburgh)

The Lazarus Fund is a ministry dedicated to awarding emergency micro-grants—managed by the Presbytery of Pittsburgh—that provides financial assistance during crises to low-income families and individuals residing in Allegheny County.

Financial scope: The program awards emergency grants of up to $400 per eligible household to resolve immediate financial hardships.

Eligible expenses: Funds are approved specifically for critical housing and utility needs, including electricity, gas, water, rent, security deposits, and foreclosure situations.

Direct payments: Grant money is never given directly to the applicant; “the micro-grant will be sent directly to the applicant’s utility company or property management company,” according to The Lazarus Fund.

Eligibility rules: Open to all community members who are underemployed or unemployed. “Funds are available to all community members and are NOT limited to members of that church,” according to the Youth and Family Research Program.

Frequency limit: Applicants must not have received a grant from The Lazarus Fund within the past three years.

Call the central helpline at 412-323-1400 or the dedicated voicemail line at 412-697-7390. Provide your name and address to be referred to the nearest participating parish.

Society of St. Vincent de Paul Council of Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Council of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) operates an extensive neighborhood-level network that provides emergency financial aid, food, and clothing to families facing a temporary economic crisis.

Utility assistance and shut-off prevention: Acts as a vital financial resource for families unable to pay their utility bills. Local volunteers help settle outstanding electricity, gas, or water debts and offer guidance on applying for programs such as LIHEAP, CRISIS, or the Dollar Energy Fund.

Rent and housing assistance: Distributes emergency funds to prevent evictions by helping with overdue rent, first month’s rent, or security deposits.

Material goods and clothing vouchers: Manages local thrift stores in Castle Shannon, Coraopolis, Monroeville, and Swissvale. SVdP provides vouchers allowing low-income individuals to obtain clothing, furniture, and essential household items completely free of charge.

Food banks: Manages specific food distribution centers, including major regional food banks located on Pittsburgh’s North Side and in Butler County.

The Pittsburgh Council is divided into 98 individual “conferences” linked to Catholic churches in specific neighborhoods across Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Washington counties. When assistance is requested, local volunteers (known as Vincentians) schedule a personal home visit or a comprehensive consultation to confidentially assess the household’s needs. If the request is approved, emergency funds are paid directly to the landlord, property management company, or utility provider.

The Salvation Army (Western Pennsylvania Division)

The Salvation Army (Western Pennsylvania Division) operates numerous local worship and community service centers throughout Allegheny County, providing emergency financial assistance, utility reconnection, housing aid, and essential social services.

Utility assistance (heating/water/electricity): Social workers intervene during financial crises to prevent utility shut-offs. Case managers assess the household’s situation and offer direct assistance through vouchers to settle overdue bills.

Dollar Energy Fund application processing: Most local centers serve as application agencies for the Dollar Energy Fund, enabling low-income residents to combine local Salvation Army funds with significant corporate energy grants.

Housing stability and rental assistance: Provides timely funding to alleviate overdue or unexpected housing costs, working directly with landlords to halt evictions.

Material assistance and vouchers: Vouchers for clothing and furniture—redeemable at local Salvation Army thrift stores (such as the one on East Carson Street)—are distributed, and the organization collaborates with local food banks to eliminate seasonal food insecurity.

Adult rehabilitation programs: Comprehensive residential centers are managed—such as the Harbor Light Center on West North Avenue—dedicated to free substance abuse rehabilitation and social reintegration.

If you do not know which branch serves your area, call the main divisional headquarters at 412-446-1500 to be connected with the social worker assigned to your case.

Region-Specific Church Coalitions & Programs

If you reside in specific geographic areas of Allegheny County, there are church-supported coalitions offering local assistance:

Allegheny Valley Area (e.g., Natrona Heights, Tarentum, Brackenridge, Harrison, Verona)

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches (AVAC): Offers short-term emergency financial assistance for heating and utility bills, rent, mortgages, and car-related expenses (repairs or gas vouchers). Contact: 1913 Freeport Rd, Natrona Heights, PA 15065. Call 724-226-0606 to schedule an eligibility assessment.

Northern Boroughs and North Hills Districts (e.g., Hampton, North Allegheny, Pine-Richland, Shaler)

North Hills Community Outreach (NHCO): An interfaith coalition of churches providing crisis assistance related to utilities, rent, and security deposits. Family income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty threshold. Call 412-487-6316 or email help@nhco.org. Offices are located at 416 Lincoln Ave, Millvale, PA, and 1975 Ferguson Rd, Allison Park, PA.

East End and City Neighborhoods

East End Cooperative Ministry (EECM): A collaborative network of churches offering assistance with general basic needs, as well as food and housing aid for city residents facing poverty. Contact: 6140 Station St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.