Get help
If you need food, clothing, utility assistance or more, you are not alone. SHIM can help.
If your hours were cut, you’ve been laid off, or an unexpected expense leaves you wondering how you’ll make ends meet, SHIM can help.
You may qualify for one, or more, of several programs designed to combat financial problems caused by COVID-19, including help with rent, utilities, emergency expenses like unexpected medical or transportation bills and more.
Eligibility and deadlines vary. Contact SHIM today.
Call: (412) 854-9120, option 7
Email: COVIDrelief@shimcares.org
Need help filing your tax return? United Way’s Free Tax Prep program is available now. Learn more by visiting pa211sw.org or dialing 2-1-1.
Our three fully stocked food pantries at SHIM Center at Bethel Park, Whitehall Presbyterian Church and Baldwin United Presbyterian Church are available to eligible neighbors in the following South Hills school districts: Baldwin-Whitehall, Bethel Park, South Park, Keystone Oaks, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair. In addition to food, cleaning and personal care items are also available. Diapers are offered thanks to a partnership with the Western PA Diaper Bank and pet food is available thanks to Animal Friends.
To protect the public, shop-thru style pantries will be temporarily suspended and items will be offered via pre-packaged boxes. Pantry volunteers will implement safe distancing, wear gloves at all times, and sanitize all surfaces.
Senior emergency food boxes are available on a monthly basis for eligible seniors aged 60 and older. One-time emergency food is also available to anyone in need.
Food pantry hours:
SHIM Center at Bethel Park
5301 Park Avenue, Bethel Park, PA 15102
Whitehall Presbyterian Church
4935 E Willock Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Baldwin United Presbyterian Church
201 Knoedler Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15236
For dates and times, download the printable calendar.
For more information or to register to use the food pantries, please contact:
Molly Penderville
(412) 854-9120 ext. 108 mpenderville@shimcares.orgThe Community Closet at SHIM is open to everyone in the community. Families and individuals are welcome to “shop” at no charge for seasonally appropriate clothing and other necessary items on Mondays, 10am – 1pm.
For more information, please contact:
Molly Penderville
(412) 854-9120 ext. 108 mpenderville@shimcares.orgIf your utility service has been terminated, or is in threat of termination, you can apply to receive a one-time utility assistance grant through the Dollar Energy program. To receive utility assistance, you must first call SHIM and make an appointment. Review the requirements here.
SHIM staff can also help connect households with other utility assistance resources including LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and CAP (Customer Assistance Programs)
For more information, please call:
SHIM Center
(412) 854-9120 ext. 114
Our Family Center works with parents on health, well-being, positive parenting, economic self-sufficiency and keeping their children safe at home though home visits and group activities. Individual counseling and support groups are available for children and adults. Learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Casey Rich
(412) 892-4673 ext. 315 crich@shimcares.orgKnow a senior who could use a friend? Join CheckMates for a friendly, weekly check-in. CheckMates is designed to connect caring volunteers with local seniors who might live alone and sometimes feel lonely or isolated for a weekly, confidential phone call. It’s friendly. It’s reassuring. And it’s a helpful check-in for seniors across Allegheny County and beyond.
Are you age 60+ and could use a weekly check-in? Or do you know someone who is?
For more information, please contact:
The Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC) program helps refugees and immigrants access existing services like shelter, education, healthcare and legal support in Allegheny County. Interpreters are available to enhance communication. Learn more.
Please note: all services offered by SHIM are available to our refugee neighbors.
For more information, please contact:
Michelle King
(412) 892-4673 ext. 345 mking@shimcares.orgIf you’re unemployed or underemployed, we can help provide access to free one-on-one career counseling, workshops, career fairs, resume assistance, job searching strategies, LinkedIn training, access to an online learning center and more.
For more information, please contact:
If you need financial help or other assistance, we can connect you to services and programs at SHIM and in the community.
For more information and referrals, please contact:
Need help but not sure where to start? Turn to SHIM, contact:
