Last Updated on January 30, 2024 by Lori Pace
Public assistance in any big city such as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia is necessary for some of its struggling citizens. Being a single mother can be hard for your rainy day fund and earnings, especially if you live in a vast city in Pennsylvania.
As someone who’s been through the challenges of being a single mother in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, I know how crucial financial support from government programs and charitable organizations can be. These resources are lifelines, ensuring that you can provide for yourself and your children, even during tough times.
If you haven’t found the public assistance you are looking for in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, you can check out our state page for grants for single moms in Pennsylvania. Or you can explore our grants for single mothers overview page for other states and cities.
Public Assistance for Single Moms in Philadelphia
Legal Assistance
Philadelphia Legal Assistance
I’ve personally benefited from the services provided by Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA). They are dedicated to offering free civil legal aid to low-income individuals in Philadelphia. Whether you’re facing issues like divorce, abuse, real estate taxes, or bankruptcy, PLA is here to support you. If you need assistance immediately, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at (215) 981-3800.
Rent and Utility Assistance
Tenant’s Rental Assistance Corporation
Having faced the challenges of making ends meet as a single mother in Philadelphia, I can personally vouch for the invaluable support provided by the Tenant’s Rental Assistance Corporation. They offer essential financial assistance to low-income households and local residents, often in the form of cash or reserve funds to help with rent. Their various rental services cater to different needs, ensuring you find the one that suits your lifestyle best. If you’re in need, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance by calling them at (215) 575-0700.
Emergency Shelter Allowance Program
An office made accessible to all parts of Philadelphia is the Emergency Shelter Allowance Program. Temporary rental aid to jobless, single mothers, elders, the disabled, and the deprived is what they offer. They do this by handing out budgets and money to their needy applicants to stop evictions, utility deposits, and immediate aid. For more information, call them at (215) 560-1976 or visit their website.
Free Food and Clothing Assistance
Ayuda Community Center, Emergency Food Cupboard
Giving free emergency food packages to low-wage households and locals at their different stores in the Ayuda Community Center. Call them at (215) 329-5777 for inquiries.
B.M. Oakley Memorial Church
A food bank of B.M. Oakley Memorial Church, situated at 1533 N. 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, gives out free groceries and emergency food packs. You may contact them for more information at (215) 769-5777.
Lighthouse, Inc.
I understand the importance of community support and I’ve personally benefitted from The Lighthouse, Inc. They generously provide food packs and clothing items to low-income families and local residents at no cost. To access free food, simply visit one of the nearby food banks. If you’re in need of clothing items, you can head to their clothing closet located at 152 W. Lehigh Avenue Philadelphia, PA, 19133. For additional information, please don’t hesitate to give them a call at (215) 425-7800.
Child Assistance
Cradles to Crayons
Cradles to Crayons holds a special place in my heart because of their unwavering support for children from underprivileged families. They ensure that kids have access to essentials like books and school attire, just as they’ve done for my own children. If you’re looking to connect with them, don’t hesitate to dial (215) 863-0958 or visit their website.
Medical Assistance
Pregnancy Resource Clinic of North Penn
The facility supplies babies, goods, and wardrobes to pregnant and nursing moms for free until 12 months. You will have clothes for all stages of your pregnancy, and your baby will be receiving loose clothing for a while. You may dial their phone number at 215-855-2424 for more information.
I know from personal experience that public assistance can make a significant difference in the lives of single mothers, not only in Pittsburgh but also in Philadelphia. Now, let’s delve into the specific assistance programs available in Pittsburgh to ensure you have all the information you need to make informed decisions for yourself and your family.
Assistance for Single Mothers in Pittsburgh
Medical Assistance
Garfield Heights Dental Center
As someone who’s navigated healthcare challenges as a single mother in Pittsburgh, I can attest to the importance of the Garfield Heights Dental Center. Located right here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, this clinic offers crucial dental health services, including Root Canal Therapy and General Dentistry, to local residents at affordable rates or even for free in some cases. To learn more about their extensive discounts and pricing details, give them a call at (412) 441-7874. If you’re ready to take advantage of their dental services, pay them a visit at 715 N. Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA – 15206.
Bethlehem Haven
For individuals facing homelessness and serious health issues in Pittsburgh, Bethlehem Haven has been a beacon of hope. They provide immediate medical care to those without a permanent home, especially those recovering from physical injuries or illness. If you’re seeking more information or assistance, please visit their website or reach out to them at (412) 391-1348.
Free Food Assistance
Henry Kaufmann Center
Having faced financial struggles as a single mother in Pittsburgh myself, I can vouch for the vital role played by Henry Kaufmann Center’s free food pantry. They generously provide food packages containing essentials like canned meat and bread to low-income families and local residents. You can visit their location at 2201 Salisbury St., Pittsburgh, PA – 15210, to receive a free food package. If you have questions about their pantry hours or services, please feel free to call them at (412) 431-0557 or visit their website.
Northside Community Food Pantry
When I was struggling to put food on the table for my family in Pittsburgh, the Northside Community Food Pantry, run by the Northside Community Ministries, was a lifeline. They tirelessly assist households in need of food support throughout Pittsburgh County. To receive immediate food assistance, it’s essential to call them at (412) 323-1163 to set an appointment. Their location is at 1601 Brighton Road Pittsburgh, PA – 15212. For further information, please take a moment to visit their website.
Employment Assistance
Career Development Center
I’ve personally found invaluable support at the Career Development Center on my journey as a single mother in Pittsburgh. This center goes above and beyond in preparing locals for job requirements and readiness. They offer comprehensive resume development programs and job search assistance tailored to your needs, making your dream job more attainable. If you’re in need of their guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at 412-422-5627 or visit their website.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Navigating the job market can be particularly challenging, especially for single mothers. Fortunately, the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has been instrumental in helping individuals like me find the right job to support their families. They offer a wide range of services, including free online job hunts, workshops, computer skills education, job evaluations, and personalized job matching. What’s more, their programs are open to anyone, regardless of their background or beliefs. If you’re interested in learning more, don’t hesitate to reach out to them at 412-622-3133 or explore their website.
