Emergency COVID-19 Resources for Residents

The Health and Human Service needs of the residents of Cambria and Somerset Counties are a primary concern for us at the United Way of the Laurel Highlands. In putting you first, we have built this webpage to serve as a vital resource to identify key agencies and organizations of the community that remain open and ready to serve the public throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic that is gripping our communities. 

We recommend that if you are someone facing a Basic Humans Needs situation relative to Food Insecurity, Employment Assistance, Medical Assistance, Transportation, Financial Assistance, Utility Assistance, or Drug & Alcohol Support and Treatment, that you contact PA 2-1-1. There are 3 ways to reach out to PA 2-1-1:

Dial 2-1-1 by phone. Text your zip code to 898-211. Reply to the questions from the live operator, who will communicate with you based upon the need(s) expressed.

Visit www.pa211sw.org to Chat online with a resource representative. We have taken steps to predetermine needs that will be address by the community, and in doing so, have created key identified areas of need, as well as services, agencies, and organizations that remain in operation at this time. If you are a resident who is facing a situation of need, please feel free to use this resource page to find local community resources.

Vaccines

For the latest information on where to obtain COVID-19 vaccines, visit the PA Department of Health.

Food - Food Pantries/Services available to the community
 

Cambria County

All 17 Cambria County food pantries will remain open at this current time. The difference is that "to-go" meals/bags have been prepared for patrons to pick up once they arrive at their local pantry. For a listing of serving times and locations of local pantries please consult the community food guide.

The Family Kitchen and the Salvation Army both located in Downtown Johnstown are open to the public. Additionally, the Salvation Army provides emergency food pantry services.

Somerset County

Food pantries will remain open at this current time. For a listing of local food pantries and serving times, please consult the Somerset County Food Pantry Spreadsheet. 

For Students - A map of grab & go meal sites for students in Southwestern PA can viewed at the following link: Grab & Go Sites - Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank

Friedens Lutheran Church 24/7 Porch Pantry - The porch pantry is located behind church on S. Main Street in Friedens. Food and personal hygiene products are available 24/7. And the process is completely anonymous. Friedens Lutheran Church is located at 131 S. Main St., Friedens, PA 15541.

Unemployment

For anyone seeking information regarding the loss of employment, or information regarding how to file a claim for unemployment through the state of Pennsylvania, please visit www.uc.pa.gov. 

Utility Assistance

Electric utility assistance is currently available through the Emergency Renter's Assistance Program in Cambria and Somerset Counties. To learn more about the ERAP program, click here

Little Free Pantries and Libraries

Read Return Repeat - Free Library Boxes (Red Library Boxes) - Cambria County
You may access these boxes at the locations listed below. Various locations have been filled with more than just free books, some containing food, soaps, hygiene products, etc. Please be kind and only take what you, or your family, needs at this time. 

  • Maple Ave: Cam Tran Building
  • Beginnings Parking Lot: Across from Police Station in Johnstown
  • Camp Harmony
  • Central Park
  • JC Penny's: Ground Floor
  • The Learning Lamp
  • Johnstown High School
  • Johnstown Middle School
  • Roxbury Park
  • Westend
  • Prospect- St. James Missionary Church
  • Belmont- Alliance Church
  • YMCA
  • YWCA
  • Windber Community Park
  • Merho - Behind Bishop McCort