Let me tell you about Cheryl, a local resident who visited Keystone Opportunity Center this week. She heard the news that the General Assistance Program she has relied upon ended on July 31st.

“I don’t know what I am to do. This financial lifeline helps with my essentials, like medications, bus fare, and laundry. Can Keystone Opportunity Center help me?”

The PA Department of Human Services General Assistance program is state-funded and mostly serves individuals who have a disability and are awaiting the start of their social security benefit.

Lauded by officials in Harrisburg as one of the most effective human service programs that has been available, the General Assistance program was eliminated from the new PA State Budget.

The State recently communicated with Keystone Opportunity Center that “This change will likely result in an additional need for resources from charitable and social service organizations around the commonwealth.”

Ending these grants now puts additional pressure on Keystone Opportunity Center and others helping with the needs of those who are most in need.

General Assistance created a bridge to stability for over 11,000 individuals last May. Of which 357 are our neighbors in Montgomery and Bucks counties. We know that you deeply care for all members of your community. Ending General Assistance will destroy a critical safety net for people struggling to survive.

We ask you to help Keystone Opportunity Center strengthen our safety net to meet the needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

Every day Keystone Opportunity Center responds to immediate needs, including housing instability, lack of education, and food insecurity.

Together we will ensure that the individuals and families we serve receive the support that they need and all year long.

Thank you for your dedication to impact our neighbors’ lives with help and hope! We assure you that your gift will be put to its best use, helping us to help others.