Human Services
The Franklin Hub, located in Franklin’s 3rd Ward at 701 Grant St., will begin offering services beginning in May. The Franklin Hub mirrors the Neighborhood Hub-South Side in Oil City that is scheduled to begin services this summer.
These Hubs will offer different Social Determinants of Health services related to transportation, food insecurity, clothing assistance, assistance applying for medical insurance, housing applications, and assistance with birth certificates, social security cards, and ID’s.
Both Hubs are unique in that they are targeting the needs specific to their distinct communities that were identified through community input survey’s, steering committees, and other data that has been collected.
Upcoming Activities at the Franklin Hub:
Heating Assistance/Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The 2022-2023 season is now open!
About the Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps families living on low incomes pay their heating bills in the form of a cash grant. Households in immediate danger of being without heat can also qualify for crisis grants. The cash grant is a one-time payment sent directly to the utility company/fuel provider to be credited on your bill. These grants range from $300 to $1,000 based on household size, income, and fuel type. Remember: This is a grant and does not have to be repaid.
How to Apply
There are two ways to apply for LIHEAP:
Online: Apply for benefits online using COMPASS, the online tool for Pennsylvanians to apply for health and human service programs and manage benefit information.
On paper: You can download a paper application, print it, fill it out, and return it to your local county assistance office.
2022-2023 LIHEAP Application — English
2022-2023 LIHEAP Application — Spanish
After your application is reviewed, you will receive written notice explaining your eligibility and the amount of assistance you will receive. Please allow 30 days for a response.
Eligibility
You must meet income guidelines
You don't have to be on public assistance
You don't need to have an unpaid heating bills
You can rent or own your home
Income Requirements
Here are the LIHEAP income requirements for 2022-2023
Household Size | Income Limit |
1 | $20,385 |
2 | $27,465 |
3 | $34,545 |
4 | $41,625 |
5 | $48,705 |
6 | $55,785 |
7 | $62,865 |
8 | $69,945 |
9 | $77,025 |
10 | $84,105 |
For every additional person, add $7,080 |
Crisis Grants
Households experiencing a heating crisis may be eligible for additional benefits through the LIHEAP crisis program. Emergency situations include:
- Broken heating equipment or leaking lines that must be fixed or replaced
- Lack of fuel
- The main heating source or second heating source (a source that is used to operate the main heating source or used if the main heating source is not working) has been completely shut-off
- The danger of being without fuel (less than a 15 day supply)
- The danger of having utility service terminated (you've received a notice that service will be shut off within the next 60 days)
Contact Us
For more information about LIHEAP, please contact your county assistance office, or call the LIHEAP hotline at 1-866-857-7095, Monday through Friday. Individuals with hearing impairments may call 711.
Assistance with home heating crisis situations is available 24 hours a day. In most counties, you should contact your county assistance office.
Pennsylvania Customer Assistance Program
PCAP is designed to help income-eligible residential customers maintain electric service and eliminate their past-due balance. The program may provide one or all of the following benefits: Automatic enrollment in the Equal Payment Plan, which helps you avoid seasonal high and low bills A monthly credit toward the electric bill A one-time opportunity to have the current account balance set aside for forgiveness An opportunity to reduce electricity consumption through our WARM program.
Click on the PCAP brochure for additional information.
PCAP Brochure
Warm Meals
Local Food Pantries
Many people in Venango County are struggling to put food on the table. We have compiled a list a resources that can be used to aid in receiving food.
1. WIC (Women, Infant, and Children) - provides supplemental food and nutrition education for pregnant and breastfeeding women who have given birth within the past six months and for children up to age 5. Shenango Valley Urban League, Inc. is the provider. Referrals can be made via WIC Venango or by calling 814-432-9892.
WIC Venango office hours are: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri - 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Weds 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2. SNAP/Food Stamps - If eligible, you will be able to use your allocation at the grocery store to purchase your own food. Applications may be submitted online through COMPASS or by calling toll-free at 877-409-2421 or locally at 814-432-4341. SNAP is administered through Venango County Assistance Office located at 530 13th Street, Franklin, PA 16323.
County Assistance office hours are:
Mon to Fri - 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3. Local Food Pantries - Food pantries in Venango County are provided through community members such as churches, social services organizations, food banks, and more. Many of these programs do have eligibility guidelines but have been adjusting to meet the needs of county residents. Second Harvest also has a food pantry locator if you need to find one that is closest to you. The links are below:
Food ResourcesChrist United Methodist Church1135 Buffalo StreetFranklin, PA 16323 Free dinner: 5-6:30 p.m. Last Friday of month Center Towne Café250 Seneca StreetOil City, PA 16301 Food: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tues & Thurs Free and open to the public Clintonville Food Pantry135 Irwin StreetClintonville, PA 16372 9 to 11 a.m. 3rd Saturday of month Community Services of Venango County 814-676-5011Oil City Food Pantry203 Center Street Oil City, PA 16301 Food: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday Rocky Grove Food Pantry 39 Parker Avenue Franklin, PA 16323 Food/clothing:10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Thursday Cranberry Food Pantry224 South Main StreetSeneca, PA 16346 Food: 2 to 5:30 p.m. 2nd and 4th Mondays *Bring proof of Cranberry School District residency | Oil City Salvation Army 814-677-4056Food Pantry/Meals217 Sycamore Street Oil City, PA 16301 Emergency Food: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday State Food Distribution: 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with lunch served 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. daily *Must bring ID and proof of residency St. Elizabeth Center Food Pantry 814-677-0203311 Emerald StreetOil City, PA 16301 Food:10 a.m. to Noon 2nd and 4th Weds. *Must bring ID and proof of residency St. John’s Episcopal Church814-432-51611145 Buffalo Street Franklin, PA 16323 Food: 9:30 to 11 a.m. last Saturday *Must bring ID and proof of residency St. Patrick’s Church Food Pantry952 Buffalo StreetFranklin, PA 16323 Food: 9 to 10:30 a.m. 3rd Saturday *Must bring ID and proof of residency The Open Door Café405 East Second StreetOil City, PA 16301 Food, soup and beverages: No cost, donations accepted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mon, Weds, Fri |
Check out our updated Human Services booklet!
Our Mission
“To assure the safety of our customers, to preserve their families, and to enhance the quality of their lives.”
Who Are We?
Venango County Human Services is a branch of county government that is managed by the Venango County Commissioners. It is directed by a Human Services Administrator who works with categorical and system directors and managers to ensure that a comprehensive continuum of high quality services is available to qualifying residents of Venango County. We are among the 30 counties in the Commonwealth that are part of the Human Services Block Grant. While the county continues to work within the regulatory parameters of the traditional categorical systems, our focus has been to move away from disability-oriented systems of care to a structure based on Life Stages. The stages include: Children and Families, Emerging Adults, Adults, and Older Adults.
This shift in focus to Life Stages has resulted in integrated service coordination and partnerships with non-traditional providers like community supports, the faith community, businesses, and more. Monitoring for service providers, evaluation, and quality improvement are all based on the Life Stage orientation as well. The main purpose of this change was to ensure individuals and families are safe and secure in the least restrictive setting. Through our successful integration, we have enabled county residents to heal, grow, and recover by receiving services that are demonstrated to be appropriate, cost effective, accessible, and that meet an assessed need.
Community Support
Venango County Human Services directly manages the categorical systems that offer services for: Older Adults, Children and Youth, Mental Health and Development, Substance Abuse, and a variety of programs collectively managed by our Community Supports Services team (CSS). We also partner with Mercer and Crawford counties to directly manage the HealthChoices Program, under the auspices of the North West Behavioral Health Partnership, offering behavioral health services collaboratively between the three counties. Venango County contracts with a large number of community service organizations to provide prevention and treatment assistance to county residents.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Summary
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.
Need Help?
- If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
- To learn how to get support for mental health, drug, and alcohol issues, visit FindSupport.gov.
- To locate treatment facilities or providers, visit FindTreatment.gov or call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357).
How to Talk About Mental Health
Mental health is essential to a person’s life in the same way as physical health. Hesitation to talk about mental health adds to the notion that the topic is taboo. It is important to normalize conversations surrounding mental health so people can feel empowered to seek the help they need. The following resources can help you feel more informed to talk about mental health with the people in your life who may need your support.
For People with Mental Health Problems
If you have, or believe you may have, a mental health problem, it is helpful to talk about these issues with others. Learn more about building a strong support system and developing a recovery plan.
For Young People Looking for Help
Mental health problems don't only affect adults. Children, teenagers, and young adults can also have mental health problems.
For Parents and Caregivers
It can be hard to talk to your child, dependent, or person you are caring for about mental health problems. Get tips for starting the conversation.
For Friends and Family Members
Anyone can experience mental health problems. Friends and family members can make all the difference in a person’s recovery process. Learn how to support your friends and loved ones as they look for help with their mental health problems.
For Educators
Educators are often the first to notice mental health problems. Find out about mental health problems, what you can do, and how to develop effective strategies to meet the mental health needs of your students.
For Community and Faith Leaders
Before they turn to a health care professional, many people may turn to community and faith leaders when facing mental health problems or traumatic events. Learn how to support mental health in your community.