Through a variety of financial assistance programs, SHIM helps individuals solve problems, set future goals, and achieve financial wellness.
SHIM provided $113,297 in emergency grants to 123 neighbors facing crisis.
SHIM service coordinators work with individuals to build financially healthy households.
Through partnerships with Allegheny County Department of Human Services, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and Dollar Energy, SHIM provides emergency funding to neighbors in crisis.
In partnership with Allegheny County Department of Human Services, SHIM also provided Emergency Rent Relief funds to neighbors facing housing instabilities. Thanks to the comprehensive nature of SHIM’s holistic programs, hundreds of households received funding to help them safely stay in their homes and keep their lights on.
SHIM serves 1,300 individuals with case management and financial assistance each year. During the pandemic, call volume increased 80%, and SHIM hired two additional staff members to assist the growing number of neighbors seeking help. As South Hills residents begin to recover from economic hardship caused by the pandemic, SHIM remains committed to helping neighbors navigate resources to get them back on their feet.
Last year SHIM distributed $107,724 in utility assistance benefitting an estimated 1,000 neighbors through Client Assistance Program (CAP), Alcosan, and the Dollar Energy fund.
“It is with a great sense of gratitude that I write to thank you and your organization for the help you provided for me in my financial struggles.”
Client, February 2022
SHIM envisions a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Comprehensive programs that address employment, transportation, and financial literacy empower neighbors to become self-sufficient.
Steps to Success
Service coordinators help Steps to Success participants identify financial and employment goals. This includes education and training goals to help individuals on their paths towards establishing higher earning households. Individuals also gain access to resources related to childcare costs and other employment barriers. This new program launched at SHIM in 2021, and we are excited to be offering these new resources to our neighbors!
Transportation Assistance
Transportation Assistance Community Initiative, a program in partnership with North Hills Community Outreach, provides assistance to low-income families living in northern and southern Allegheny County in immediate need of transportation to get to employment opportunities or career/vocational training.
WorkAble
SHIM, in partnership with JFCS Career Development Center, provides holistic career counseling and support to reduce barriers for residents of Allegheny County. WorkAble is a free service for those who qualify. Career consultants work with clients one-on-one to help build resumes, conduct job searches, develop strong interview skills, learn to network, get the most out of LinkedIn and more. We provide job search champions to support and encourage clients every step of the way!
Tax Help
SHIM helps connect neighbors to United Way’s Free Tax Prep program. SHIM also works with Just Harvest to provide tax preparation for low income households with a focus on providing services to immigrant and refugee families living in the greater Pittsburgh region.
