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DISASTER MINISTRIES UCC
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened November 1, 2022. LIHEAP helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $500 to $1,500 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid and you can apply online at https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/LIHEAP.aspx
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The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund helps homeowners cope with financial hardship caused by the pandemic. A homeowner is eligible for up to $30,000 or 24 months, whichever is less. Household income must be no more than 150 percent of area median income; however, priority is given to homeowners who are at 100 percent of AMI or lower and meet the definition of socially disadvantaged. This requirement is part of the guidance from U.S. Treasury. Applications can be submitted online through www.PAHAF.org or call 888-987-2423
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Let’s Reach the Finish Line! Rebuilding continues following Tropical Storm Isaias in the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia. Volunteers and Contractors needed!
Philadelphia, PA – Since Tropical Storm Isaias brought devastating flooding to the Eastwick neighborhood of Philadelphia in August 2020, the Eastwick Unmet Needs Roundtable identified 50 families who needed help with rebuilding of homes and replacement of heating and cooling systems.
The Eastwick Unmet Needs Roundtable is a partnership of community organizations like Eastwick United CDC, Eastwick Friends and Neighbors Coalition, as well as disaster recovery non-profits like The Salvation Army, UCC Disaster Ministries, Lutheran Disaster Response, The Elevated Studio, The Eastern PA Conference of the United Methodist Church. Government partners include Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation, and Pennsylvania Emergency Management.
Volunteers have contributed 4,000 hours to date. Contractors have installed 26 air handlers and 6 hot water heaters as well as repaired electric and plumbing in several homes.
Help us complete the remaining 15 cases by the end of the calendar year. Volunteers, skilled in general construction/carpentry, as well as those willing to learn, are needed. We also are looking for licensed and insured contractors. Full funding is available for all materials and contractor labor.
Opportunities:
· Volunteer on Saturday November 12, 2022!
· Indicate your interest in volunteering on other days that become available.
· Insured and Licensed Contractors: Please contact us for opportunities related to general construction.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator, Sharon Sgriccia isaiasrecoveryvolunteers@gmail.com
Long term recovery from disasters takes many years and is a very slow and difficult process for survivors. We hold in our hearts those just beginning to recover from Hurricanes Fiona and Ian. Please consider this opportunity closer to home as a way of standing in solidarity with all disaster survivors in all places.
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Hurricane Aid -UCC launches emergency appeal for 2022 hurricanes – Ian, Fiona and those still to come. Read more, donate now
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your support of disaster relief. Your generosity has aided hundreds of families in need of help to rebuild their homes and lives. We request your renewed support for the Hurricanes 2022 Fund for those in crisis in the aftermath of Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, and other significant storms that may arise in the warm Atlantic waters. Your gift to the Hurricanes 2022 Fund will help with immediate needs while basic infrastructure is repaired, and more complete assessments can be made.
We don’t know what may come next with two months remaining in hurricane season. We know that as a people of faith, we can show up through our prayers and giving for our most vulnerable neighbors and journey with them on the long road to recovery. With your support, we can offer healing and resources through solidarity grants that support relief.
Your gift enables the church to be present with people amidst catastrophic and life-changing situations, offering immediate relief and providing long-term recovery support. Working through a network of global and local partners, the church lives out its call to care for our neighbors as we strive together toward a just world for all. If you prefer, you may send a check payable to the United Church of Christ, PO BOX 71957 Cleveland, OH 44194. Please be sure to note “Hurricanes Fund 2022” in the memo section.
Kent Siladi, Director of Philanthropy, UCC
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Response to Hurricane Fiona in Puerto Rico (Sept. 18) - On Sunday, Sept. 18, Hurricane Fiona hit Puerto Rico, causing power outages for millions of homes and businesses and life-threatening flooding across the island. For information on the impact to the UCC, the UCC's response efforts, and how you can help, click here to read a disaster update.
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Welcome Backpacks and Period Packs join CWS service kit lineup; matching grants available:
UCC congregations have long assembled school kits and cleanup buckets to help others through Church World Service. A young volunteer helps pack one of 22 CWS Cleanup Buckets at Medina UCC, Medina, Ohio. Photo by Becky Bauer. They now have two new opportunities. Church World Service Kits now include a Period (Menstrual Hygiene) Pack and a Welcome Backpack. These join CWS’s well-established Hygiene and School Kits and Emergency Cleanup Buckets. And UCC churches assembling and donating any of the CWS Kits can apply for UCC Match Grants of up to $250 to help stretch their contribution.
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**You can find more information & updates at UCC Disaster Ministries: www.ucc.org/disaster
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