FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CONTACT:
Dec. 15, 2008 Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116
Governor Rendell Announces Three New Steps to Help Pennsylvanians in Need
Canned Food Drive, Weatherization Kits, New Web Site Designed to Provide Assistance During Difficult Times
HARRISBURG – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced three steps the commonwealth is taking beginning today to help Pennsylvanians who are in need as winter approaches and the economy continues to struggle.
“People are experiencing hard times across Pennsylvania and we’ve been looking for new ways to help,” said Governor Rendell.
The Governor announced a canned food drive among state employees across Pennsylvania, a new online resource providing convenient access to existing state programs, and a joint effort with the United Way to install 3,000 weatherization kits in the homes of senior citizens trying to manage their rising utility bills. The organization will also arrange for volunteers to install the kits.
“About nine weeks ago, I convened a summit consisting of seven meetings across the state that was designed to bring community leaders together to help people stay warm this winter while managing their energy costs,” said the Governor. “The United Way was a big part of the effort. They, along with the other community leaders in the seven regions and my administration, pledged to work in the following weeks to carry out strategies to accomplish that overarching goal.
“These weatherization kits are part of that effort and will go a long way to ensure 3,000 homes are more energy efficient, which will help reduce heating costs for those residents.”
In announcing the canned food drive, Governor Rendell asked state employees to help food banks replenish their shelves at a time when demand for their services has increased while donations have declined.
“Food banks across the state have reported that the slowing economy has increased the demand for their services by up to 35 percent in less than a year,” said Governor Rendell. “This comes at a time when these organizations are struggling for donations and finding their shelves bare.”
The state employee food drive began today and will end on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Collection bins can be found at 19 state office buildings across the commonwealth including 15 in the Harrisburg area and one in each of four regional office buildings in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton.
“This is an opportunity for all of us to help our neighbors. I realize that times are tough for many families, but even a few cans of food given by those of us who are able to donate food can mean the difference between someone eating or going hungry,” added the Governor.
The commonwealth also launched a new online resource today that will make it easier for citizens to find the resources they need through existing government programs to help make ends meet during the economic crisis.
At HereToHelp.pa.gov, Pennsylvanians can find resources grouped by the following topics: employment, family services, housing, older Pennsylvanians, and economic development.
“The faltering national economy has created many challenges for our families,” said Governor Rendell. “Citizens going through difficult periods often do not know where to look for help. The Here to Help Web site puts many beneficial program under one umbrella, making it easier for families to locate the resources that can get them through this tough time.”
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EDITOR’S NOTE: Collection bins for the canned food drive are located near the Christmas trees in the following buildings:
Harrisburg:
Capitol / East Wing / Irvis / North Office Building
Finance Building
Forum Building
Health and Welfare Building
Keystone Building
Labor & Industry Building
DGS Public Works and Maintenance Building, 18th and Herr Streets
DGS Surplus Property Building, 22nd and Forster Streets
Agriculture Building
Harristown 1 (Strawberry Square)
Harristown 2 (333 Market St.)
Rachel Carson State Office Building
Regional Offices:
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Reading
Scranton
