Life gets hard sometimes. Maybe you are struggling to pay your bills. Maybe your car broke down and you need to get to work. Maybe you do not have enough food in the house. Maybe you just need someone to point you in the right direction.
North Hills Community Outreach — known as NHCO — is here to help.
NHCO has been helping people in northern Allegheny County since 1987. Their services are free. If you are going through a hard time, you do not have to go through it alone.
Who Does NHCO Help?
NHCO helps low-income individuals and families living in northern Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. Some programs require that your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level. Some programs — like services for seniors — have no income requirement at all.
If you are not sure whether you qualify for something, you can reach out to them directly to ask.
What NHCO Offers
NHCO offers many different services for the local community.
Free Food
NHCO runs three free food pantries where you can come and get food at no cost. No purchase necessary.
NHCO is also one of only six food pantries in the Pittsburgh area with a gluten-free section for people who cannot eat gluten for medical reasons.
Help Paying Utilities and Rent
If you are behind on your electric bill, gas bill, or rent, NHCO may be able to help. They work with several programs to assist qualifying families, including:
- LIHEAP — a government program that helps with heating costs
- LIHEAP Crisis — for urgent heating emergencies
- Dollar Energy Fund — help with utility bills
- Customer Assistance Program (CAP)
- Emergency financial help for rent or a security deposit
Assistance is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility, individual circumstances and available funding. But if you are worried about keeping the lights on or staying in your home, reach out to NHCO as soon as possible.
Help With Transportation Costs
If you have a job but are struggling to keep your car running or afford transportation, NHCO’s Transportation Assistance Program may be able to help.
They can help pay for things like:
- Car repairs
- Gas cards
- Bus passes (Port Authority CONNECT Cards)
- Past-due car insurance
- Past-due car loan payments (before repossession)
- PennDOT fees
- AAA memberships
- Car seats
To qualify, you must be working and meet income guidelines. They require you to have a steady income in order to receive this type of assistance.
Free Rides for Seniors
If you are 60 or older, NHCO offers free shuttle rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and more. To request a ride, call on the day you need it.
NHCO also has In Service of Seniors, a volunteer program that provides rides, home safety checks, friendly visits, and phone check-ins for older adults. There are no income requirements for this program.
Free Tax Preparation
Every tax season, NHCO offers completely free tax preparation through the IRS’s certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Trained volunteers help you file your taxes correctly — at no cost to you.
This service has helped hundreds of people in the community get back thousands of dollars in refunds.
Free Legal Help
Do you have a legal question but cannot afford a lawyer? NHCO’s Ask The Attorney program connects you with a volunteer attorney for a free 30-minute consultation.
They can help with questions about:
- Landlord and tenant issues
- Divorce
- Bankruptcy
- And other non-criminal legal matters
Appointments are held a few times a year at NHCO offices in Allison Park, Millvale, and the North Boroughs. Income eligibility required. Translation services are available.
Where Is NHCO Located?
NHCO has three locations in northern Allegheny County:
📍 Main Office — Allison Park 1975 Ferguson Road, Allison Park, PA 15101
📍 NHCO Millvale Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Avenue, 2nd Floor, Millvale, PA 15209
📍 NHCO North Boroughs Greenstone Methodist Church, 939 California Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15202
Relief Recap
Whether you need food, help with bills, a way to get to work, legal advice, or just someone to point you in the right direction, NHCO is there. You do not have to figure it out alone. Reach out to them today.
