Penn Township Assistance Program

The Township Assistance Program offers help to people in need in the following areas:

1. Food & Household Supplies - We offer referrals to The Penn Township Food Pantry.
2. Medical Assistance - Not otherwise provided by insurance, clinics, and HCI, or other government subsidized programs.
3. Shelter - Rental payments not to exceed that listed in the standards. The landlord or property owner doesn't have to accept trustee payment. The Trustee will not pay for housing which is determined unfit. The Trustee will not pay first month’s rent, or any deposit fees.
4. Utilities - Bills must be in the current name of the applicant for the current place of residence. No deposits or reconnect fees will be paid. Bring in your bill as soon as you receive your disconnect notice.

The Trustee issues vouchers, never cash, to pay for the goods and services which the clients are in need of. A voucher s not money, but is a written promise that the Trustee will pay money to the company or person who provides the client the service. For instance, if you need shelter assistance, the Trustee may give you a voucher to take to your landlord. The landlord must sign the voucher and then it needs to be returned to the Trustee's office. Once a month the Trustee issues checks directly to the landlord for all the vouchers that have been brought back. The voucher can never be exchanged for cash, nor will a check ever get mailed to the client.

How do I get Township Assistance?

If you have never applied for assistance before, you will need to come to the trustee's office and speak with an investigator. They will set up an appointment for you, give you a checklist of everything you need to bring back, and an application. If you are unable to pick up an application, call the office and they can mail one to you. As long as you bring all the information required to your appointment, the Investigator can most likely make a decision on your case that day.

The Trustee, by law, may verify (by phone or mail) any information you give during your appointment. If you are asking for help with utilities, bring your latest utility bills with you. If you are presently receiving TANF or Food Stamps, get a Trustee referral from your caseworker to bring to the Trustee's office. You must first apply for these other programs before applying for Township Assistance. The Trustee may require additional documentation depending on an individual's situation.