Program areas at PCRC
Housing support - the Cluster works to house those who are street homeless or living in a shelter with housing funding and many support services that will help these individuals and families maintain stable housing. The Cluster does this using a myriad of funding sources that include federal, state, and local support and supplement with fundraising from foundations and other organizations, in order to offer as much help as possible. Support services include: (1) eviction prevention pcrc staff attended 1,288 hearings to prevent eviction. (2) rent and utility support pcrc staff provided funding and coaching to 1,050 households of people at risk for becoming homeless by helping with back rent and or utilities. (3) rapid re-housing these individuals and families were moved from shelters or from being street homeless to permanent housing. Funding allowed the Cluster to house 56 households. (4) fuel oil this is one of few programs available to home owners. In fourth quarter of 2022 alone, the Cluster helped 43 households.
Tools to thrive - the Cluster continues to offer one-on-one coaching to food pantry clients and community members willing to make a commitment to find new ways to work toward increased self-sufficiency. This individualized program has a small number of participants, but can be transformative for those who make the commitment. The Cluster has helped clients secure better jobs, move to safer apartments, explore training for a better future, and other opportunities.
Food services - the Cluster met the community's food needs with its food pantry, community meals, redistribution to smaller area pantries, and numerous special programs for seniors and special events. The Cluster collects data on those whom it serves and manages food and personal care items through an online ordering and inventory system. Also provided is a delivery van for those who are food insecure but have mobility challenges. The total numbers that follow are a brief snapshot of food insecure people the Cluster has served. Food pantry served 11,264 individuals, community meals served 11,935 meals, pounds of food disbursed enough for 4,396 meals per week. The Cluster continues to seek food insecure individuals and families who are in need of assistance. In 2022, 606 new households were served.