ICCAP Services

The Bridge Housing Program provides low-cost interim housing, as well as counseling, case management, support and referral services for homeless, single-parent families who are moving toward self-sufficiency.

All visitors to the ICCAP office see a case manager who assesses household needs, makes appropriate referrals to agencies and programs, then follows up to assure that services were received.

Income-eligible Columbia Gas customers may contact Columbia Gas to determine eligibility for referral to ICCAP to arrange gas payments based on a percentage of their gross monthly income.

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is food purchased by the US Department of Agriculture, who in turn makes the food available to state agencies and Indian Tribal Organizations. ICCAP determines the eligibility of applicants, distributes food and provides nutrition education to CSFP participants. Eligibility is limited to income-eligible senior citizens 60 or older, postpartum breast feeding women six to twelve months following the delivery of their baby, and children who are at least five years old, but not yet six years old.

This is for persons who have exhausted LIHEAP and Crisis Energy Assistance, and need further help with their gas, electric and water utility bills.

The Peoples Natural Gas Usage Reduction Program provides Dominion-Peoples Natural Gas customers with hot water tank wraps, low-flow shower heads, furnace tune-ups, attic and basement insulation, and other energy conservation measures, depending on gas consumption.

Helps homeless and other program-eligible individuals obtain items necessary to furnish their homes. The program secures donated items from throughout the community and distributes them to individuals in need.

This program can help with a current one-month heating utility bill or a minimum fuel delivery. As funding allows, help is available once each year.

Families can build a savings account to be used to purchase a home, repair an existing home, fund a business, or pay for higher education for a family member. By saving at least $10 per week, the account will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $1000 a year for two years. Participants develop personal financial strategies through attending basic financial management workshops.

ICCAP has an ongoing food distribution program in convenient locations throughout the county, operated entirely by volunteers. A box of food is provided regularly to families to help stretch food dollars and provide good nutrition. There is also an emergency food pantry network throughout Indiana County to help those individuals not participating in an ongoing food distribution but in need of food on an emergency basis. Income Guidelines for the Food Program are 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a family of - 1-$16,245 per year or $1,354 per month 2-$21,855 per year or $1,821 per month 3-$27,465 per year or $2,289 per month 4-$33,075 per year or $2,756 per month For each additional family member add $5,610 to the yearly income or $468 to the monthly income.

For more information, contact jmiller@iccap.net

The Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Demonstration is a loan program for persons 62 years of age and older who own their home. Also known as a “reverse mortgage”, a borrower can convert the equity in their home to cash. The maximum principal limit of the loan is based on the borrower’s age and the appraised value of the property. A borrower can receive the payments in a lump sum or in monthly installments. The reverse mortgage does not have to be repaid until the home is no longer owner-occupied.

The Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP) is an emergency loan program for homeowners who are 60 days behind on their mortgage payments and are facing foreclosure due to uncontrollable circumstances. The Homeowner must have received an ACT 91 (or Act 160) notice. Service areas include Indiana, Clearfield, Westmoreland, Jefferson, Armstrong, and Cambria Counties. The Homeowners' Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program (HEMAP)ARRA is an emergency loan program for homeowners who are not more than 90 days behind on their current mortgage. ICCAP can assist homeowner’s before they receive a notice of foreclosure. To be eligible for this service, clients must be below 200% of federal poverty guidelines and meet other requirements. Call the ICCAP office for more information.

The Housing Assistance Program provides temporary financial help by paying rent and/or security deposits for those who are homeless or nearly homeless.

Helps people locate and keep safe and affordable housing; works with landlords and tenants to resolve problems. ICCAP's Housing Counselor is Indiana County's designated Fair Housing Officer and can offer information on tenant rights and discrimination laws. The program can also provide budgeting and life skills education to help cut expenses, stretch income and devise a money management plan.

ICCAP offers affordable permanent housing to eligible low-income families and individuals. There are ten one-bedroom units, eight two-bedroom units, and one three-bedroom unit that offer comfortable living at affordable rent.

Home buyer educational seminars for pre-purchase and pre-approved borrowers in the PHFA Keystone Home Loan and Keystone Home Loan Plus Programs.

The Pathway Homeless Shelter provides temporary emergency shelter and support services for families or individuals who have nowhere to sleep at night. Please call 724-248-9555 to check on space availablility and complete the referral process.

Income eligible FirstEnergy/Penelec customers may contact the ICCAP office to arrange electric payments based on a percentage of their gross monthly income. This program can greatly reduce the cost of monthly electric bills.

The Penelec Warm II Program provides eligible Penelec customers with installed hot water tank wraps, low-flow shower heads and other energy conservation measures, depending on electric consumption.

Assists homeless individuals and family members achieve housing stability. The project provides assistance by leasing ten rental units, providing case management, budgeting and temporary transportation to participants.

Works with mental health consumers in Armstrong and Indiana Counties who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability payments. In the on going effort to improve consumers' ability to function independently, the program manages their Social Security benefits while assisting them in developing budgeting and banking skills.

Free bus service through the Indiana County Transit Authority is available for transportation to agencies where you have an appointment ONLY. Bus tickets may also be obtained to get to a new place of employment until a first pay check is received.

This program provides job preparation classes to Indiana County residents referred by the County Assistance Office Maximizing Participation Project (MPP). Classes are devoted to training and employment. In addition to classroom instruction, intensive case management and job development are provided over an extended period of time.

Prescreening for persons with low or very low incomes who wish to buy or rehabilitate a property. To qualify, applicants must be credit worthy, meet the income guidelines, and be able to repay the loan. Property owners with very low incomes can qualify for a 1% loan to repair their homes under the Section 504 program. Grant funds are available only to homeowners 62 years of age or older who cannot repay any portion of the loan; these grants can only be used to correct health and safety hazards.

The Weatherization Program provides free installation of energy conservation measures to your home, such as weather-stripping for doors, window reglazing, caulking, hot water tank wraps, furnace tune-ups, basement and attic insulation and storm or replacement windows where needed. This service is available to low-income homeowners and renters, regardless of heating source.

The Welfare-to-Work Transportation Project provides transportation options for working families with children. Services include car repairs, insurance assistance, driving lessons, AAA memberships, donated vehicles and transportation to job sites.

Low-income participants learn financial strategies through Asset Building, Earned Income Tax Credit, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), Fuel Oil Savings Account, Youth Savings Account, Family Savings Account, Budget Counseling, Financial Skills Workshops, Kiwanis Diaper Program, and the Prescription Assistance Program.

For more information, contact dreesewalters@iccap.net

Provides homeless intensive case management services to homeless individuals based on a developed service plan. Provide direct supportive services in order to resolve immediate household problems and work toward the long-term goals of self-sufficiency.