Neighbor-Aid awards further $185,000 in grants for emergency aid

Special fund has distributed nearly $800,000 this year

PITTSBURGH, Pa., April 29, 2009 – Neighbor-Aid, the emergency fund created by The Pittsburgh Foundation in partnership with the United Way of Allegheny County, has awarded a further $185,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that are struggling to meet the needs of families and individuals in hardship as the result of the economic crisis.

This brings the total value of grants distributed from the fund since it was formed in December 2008 to $786,000. Neighbor-Aid has a current balance of approximately $130,000 and has received additional pledges of nearly $300,000. The Foundation plans to strengthen its fund-raising campaign this summer and fall to secure new donations in preparation for an anticipated new upsurge in demand.

“Nonprofits are experiencing unprecedented demand right now and Neighbor-Aid is achieving some success in providing them with the additional support that is urgently needed,” said Grant Oliphant, President and CEO of The Pittsburgh Foundation. “But we also need to anticipate the likely demand six months from now. We desperately need contributions to meet the current demand but the winter is traditionally the time of greatest hardship. We also need to prepare for that.”

Neighbor-Aid is a collaborative emergency relief initiative between The Pittsburgh Foundation, the United Way of Allegheny County, civic leader Elsie Hillman and other local foundations working in liaison with Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

At its recent meeting, a special committee, comprising foundation and constituent supporters of Neighbor-Aid, approved grants totaling $185,000 to eight nonprofit organizations serving the region’s four key areas of human need: housing, food, utilities and transportation. This followed the first meeting of Neighbor-Aid’s grantmaking committee in February when $601,000 was awarded in grants to 10 nonprofits.

Neighbor-Aid was launched in December 2008 to support nonprofit organizations struggling to meet the surge in demand from families and individuals for human services as the result of the economic crisis, many of whom are seeking charitable help for the first time.

Donors can contribute to Neighbor-Aid, on-line either through The Pittsburgh Foundation or the United Way of Allegheny County via a specifically designed web site to support the fund at Neighbor-Aid.org. Alternatively, contributions may be made by check payable to The Pittsburgh Foundation – Neighbor-Aid Fund and sent to the Foundation’s offices at Five PPG Place, Pittsburgh PA 15222 or to United Way – Neighbor-Aid Fund and sent to Box 640716, Pittsburgh PA 15264-0716.

A summary of the latest grants and funding objectives are listed below.

Crisis Center North, Inc. received $10,000 to help provide emergency transportation expenses, relocation/security expenses, utility stipends, and emergency food assistance.  As one of four centers in Allegheny County providing counseling and educational resources to victims of domestic violence, Crisis Center North has seen an increase in need and usage of services.

Family Resources received $20,000 to support short-term emergencies and to help families manage basic needs (food, housing, transportation, and utility assistance).  Family Resources serves approximately 20,000 children, teenagers and parents annually with services focused on preventing child abuse and providing therapy to children who have experienced abuse or neglect.  Agency supervisors report an increase in requests for emergency assistance from families that are not actively engaged with the Office of Children, Youth and Families at the Allegheny County Department for Human Services.  

Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania received $10,000 to provide additional vouchers for clothing, furniture and household goods to families and individuals affected by the economic downturn. Goodwill currently provides a maximum of ten $75 vouchers per month through their community emergency needs fund. Grant funds will be used to address the current wait list of over 100 applications which otherwise would have taken nine months to address.

Hosanna House, Inc. received $20,000 to help its clients affected by the economic crisis move toward independence.  Through the New Foundations Permanent Housing Program, Hosanna House provides housing and supportive services to assist families in their transition from shelters and the streets to permanent housing.  

Jewish Family and Children’s Service received $20,000.  Jewish Family and Children’s Service provides families with case management and funding needed to overcome underlying hardships through their emergency aid program, SOS Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Mercy Health System, Inc. received $50,000 to provide housing rental assistance through Operation Safety Net.  Since 1992, Operation Safety Net has served as a medical outreach for the unsheltered and transitional homeless community in Allegheny County.

Travelers Aid Society of Pittsburgh received $30,000 to provide transportation assistance to people in need.  Through the New Employment Transportation Program, Travelers Aid provides bus tickets to and from verified job searches as well as newly obtained employment for two weeks or until the first paycheck.  Access to reliable and affordable transportation is critical for individuals in obtaining and retaining employment.  

Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh received $25,000 to provide security deposits and first month’s rent in order to secure affordable housing and enable clients to be self-sufficient as they transition out of the shelter.  The emergency shelter of the Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh serves approximately 260 women and 240 children.   

For further information contact:
John Ellis
412-394-2647
ellisj@pghfdn.org