North Hills Community Outreach Providing Pandemic Assistance

McCANDLESS, PA — For more than three decades, North Hills Community Outreach has assisted people in crisis, hardship and poverty in Northern Allegheny County. The community and interfaith-based organization offers more than 20 free services, including a food pantry, education assistance, employment services, transportation assistance and emergency financial aid.

The organization arose out of severe flooding that ravaged parts of the North Hills in 1986. Local religious and community leaders began working together to assist flood victims and eventually decided that a permanent organization was needed to address the basic needs of struggling people. North Hills Community Outreach was incorporated in 1987.

Tom Baker has been the organization's executive director since October and has a well-defined plan for it.

"North Hills Community Outreach is one of the most impactful, essential and important organizations in our region," he said on the organization's website. "Through expanding awareness of NHCO, increasing our partnerships, and developing new funding streams we will be able to increase the already very impressive total of volunteers, households served, and overall

services provided."

During the coronavirus outbreak, organization service coordinator Stephanie Kobert has been assisting people who have experienced a job loss or income reduction because of the pandemic. Kobert has focused her efforts on helping people apply for:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps).
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
• Financial assistance for basic needs.
• Free or reduced prices on school meals.
• Assistance with child care while at work.
• Medical assistance.
• Pennsylvania unemployment.

To donate to the organization, click here.

This story is part of Patch's Headlining Hope series, which profiles local nonprofits and charitable organizations in need of volunteers and resources. If you know of a local organization that should be profiled, contact Eric.Heyl@Patch.com.