PA Needs Universal School Meals

As the school year winds down across the state, it serves as a reminder that the Universal Free Breakfast program that has helped so many students this year is coming to an end. Ensuring that this program is maintained in the FY 2023-24 budget and expanding access to Universal Lunch is my top priority. Families and students across the Commonwealth simply cannot afford to start their school day on an empty stomach.

Pennsylvania children need free lunch at school as well as free breakfast | Opinion - pennlive.com

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The Whole-Home Repairs Program is Taking Applications

The Whole-Home Repairs Program application period opened on Tuesday and we are encouraging interested constituents to apply! The program is administered by ACTION-Housing and has over $12 million in grants to distribute to eligible Allegheny County homeowners. Eligible applicants can receive up to $50,000 for home repairs targeted at significant habitability issues like damage to a home’s roof, windows, and foundation, issues that could force an individual to have to relocate. The grants can also be used to make modifications that allow disabled residents to stay in their homes. 

Due to limited funding, the program is prioritizing homes with the worst damage, which unfortunately means many eligible applicants will not be selected. ACTON-Housing is acutely aware of this and is partnering with other organizations to match these homeowners with other programs that may be able to help. 

To qualify applicants must:

• Own and live in a house needing repairs in Allegheny County.
• Be living in a home with significant habitability issues like roof damage, unsafe electrical wiring, or accessibility concerns.
• Have a total income that doesn’t exceed 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Allegheny County.
• Applybetween May 30, 2023 - June 30, 2023. Another application period will open in late fall if funds are still available. Note this is not a first-come-first-served program.Those applying on the last day will have the same chance as those who applied on the first.

Three Ways to Apply:

• Online.
• By phone at 412-248-0021 with an ACTION-Housing representative.
• On paper. Request a paper application by phoning or emailing ACTION-Housing at 412-248-0021 or [email protected].

If you are eligible and selected for a home inspection, you will be scheduled with a Whole-Home Repairs Program inspector to determine if the repairs qualify for funding. If the inspector approves the repairs, you will be connected with a program-certified contractor to do the work.

If you have questions, please consult ACTION-Housing’s Frequently Asked Questions or contact ACTION-Housing at (412) 248-0021 or [email protected].

ACTION-Housing is currently looking for contractors to partner with on this program. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact them at [email protected].

For complete information on the Whole-Home Repairs Program go to Allegheny County Whole-Home Repairs Program - Action Housing.

Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program Voucher Distributions Delayed

The June 22, 2023 distribution day for the PA Department of Agriculture’s Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has been delayed until late June or early July due to voucher printing issues. A new date will be announced soon. Vouchers for the Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) are also delayed. Vouchers will still be usable for the majority of the season and the value will remain the same. 

If you are a Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) recipient or a low income senior, you should take advantage of these programs which provide vouchers in the form of a checks to be used for  fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs from approved farmers' in Pennsylvania.

Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) is available to WIC participants only. Vouchers are distributed during quarterly WIC visits (May - September).

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

The annual Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) usually distributes vouchers in June at participating senior centers. A full list of distribution sites and times will be made available for the initial distribution date once a new date has been determined. Seniors mustpick up their vouchers in person or designate a proxy (see below for proxy information). 

To be eligible for SFMNP, you must be 60 or older by Dec. 31, 2023, live in Allegheny County and fall within the following income guidelines:

• One-person household: At or below $26,973
• Two-person household: At or below $36,482*

*Married couples may receive one set of vouchers for each individual.  

Older adults living in a residential facility that provides meals are not eligible to receive vouchers.

Eligible seniors receive one set of vouchers to be spent at participating farmers markets. One set of vouchers is worth $50.00 (issued as five vouchers worth $10.00 each). SFMNP documents are available in Russian, Cantonese, Mandarin, Nepali, Spanish and Braille at senior community centers.

Eligible seniors who are unable to get to a senior center may designate a proxy to pick up their vouchers. Proxies can pick up vouchers for up to four seniors. Proxy forms are available at participating senior centers or can be downloaded from Allegheny County’s SFMNP website. 

Additional voucher distribution dates will be scheduled throughout the summer based on voucher supply and demand.

The new 2023 SFMNP voucher distribution day will be announced by the Allegheny County Department of Human Services. Look for press releases on radio and TV, the county website, by texting the word “farmer” to 987987, or by calling the SeniorLine at (412) 350-5460. 

As always, our office is available to answer your questions about these programs. Call us at 412-364-0469 (Ross) or 724-224-2131 (Harrison) or email us at [email protected]. 

Allegheny County Pools and Spray Parks Open Saturday!

Summer has officially started– the Allegheny County Parks announced its pools and spray parks will open this Saturday, June 3, 2023. Here in Senate District 38 you can go to North Park Swimming Pool and Deer Lakes Spray Park to celebrate the season with a splash!

Daily hours of operation at all four of the County’s pools are 11:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The County has two spray parks which are free and open daily, 10:00 AM to 8 PM. Note hours may change due to weather conditions. See pool admission rates and group discount rates (20 or more with 24-hour notice) above. For complete information on pools and spray parks go to Allegheny County Pools. 

Do you know someone who needs a summer job? Allegheny County is hiring lifeguards for between $16-$18/hour! For more information on certification and requirements go to Lifeguard Positions | Parks | Allegheny County. 

Highland Park Yard Sale and Bryant Street Festival is this Sunday!

Sunday, June 4, 2023 is Pittsburgh’s largest yard sale in Highland Park!  It will be from 9 am – 1 pm and will be followed by the Bryant Street Festival from noon until 4 pm. There will be food, arts & crafts vendors, live music, kids’ crafts, and other fun things on Bryant Street. Come for the deals and stay for the fun!

For more information, to register to sell items, or volunteer visit 2023 Highland Park Yard Sale! | Highland Park Community Council (hpccpgh.org).

No-Cost Farmers Markets in Senate District 38!

The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit are holding a no-cost farmers market food distribution next Wednesday, June 7 in Tarentum. The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is also holding three no-cost farmers markets at the Sharpsburg Community Library on June 14, September 8, and December 15. These events are open to the public with no restrictions or registration required. Bring a bag and stock up on precious fresh fruits and veggies. See graphics above for details!