Meeting the Rising Needs

Annual Report

July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023

During fiscal year 2022-2023, you helped North Hills Community Outreach provide 23,234 services to 4,092 families and individuals in our community.

A Message from NHCO Executive Director Tom Baker

It has been another incredible year to witness the true kindness and service that is exerted by our staff and volunteers every single day here at NHCO. We tackle suburban poverty with an undying commitment and sense of purpose, and there is no organization that is more intently focused on serving our neighbors experiencing crisis, hardship, and poverty. Our team is empowered by our generous donors who give to our mission to help ensure that far less people are cold, hungry, or alone in our community.

This year saw increased prices for many household items as inflation continued to directly affect so many of our neighbors in need. This continued rise in prices often impacts families who are already struggling with food insecurity and adds another difficult hurdle to overcome when trying to maintain financial stability.

No one should need to make the choice between food for their children or heating for their home. Or running water. Or transportation to their job. And NHCO helps guarantee no one needs to make that difficult decision.

Our team at all levels -- staff, volunteers, and board -- could not accomplish our mission without the culture of support and generosity that we receive from our donors.

On behalf of NHCO, thank you for joining in our community of people helping people.

Food Pantry

Food insecurity and general financial hardship were the top two reasons people sought help at NHCO.

  • 1,287 Families and Individuals were Served by NHCO's Three Food Pantries

Services

NHCO helps qualifying families and individuals with utility bills through various programs. We also assist clients with rental assistance or help with a security deposit to prevent homelessness.

  • 267 Completed Applications for The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), a federal program that assists with paying utility bills

  • 82 Completed Applications for Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN), a grant that provides credits on sewage bills

  • 213 Completed Applications for Customer Assistance Program (CAP), which helps reduce payments for gas and electric

  • 785 Completed Applications for Dollar Energy, a program funded by utility companies and private donors that helps clients pay utility bills

  • 197 Households received housing financial assistance, including rent and security deposits

  • 259 Households received utility assistance to prevent shut-offs, and restore service

NHCO's Pathways Program

A holistic approach that helps individuals and families achieve stability and self-reliance. We work with individuals and families over time, rather than just with immediate issues.

  • 34 Individuals participated in NHCO's Pathways Program

Sharing Projects

NHCO holds various collections throughout the year and then distributes the donated goods to those in need. 1,291 Families received items and assistance through NHCO's seasonal Sharing Projects, including:

  • 167 Families received utility credits through Sharing Winter Warmth

  • 529 Individuals from 150 Families received a new winter coat

  • 557 Families received a complete Thanksgiving dinner

  • 331 Households, including 843 children, received new toys, games, and other gifts for the holidays

  • 228 Families, including 898 children, received school supplies

  • 405 Households received personal care items

  • 394 Families received spring cleaning products

Support and Resources

After an individual’s emergency needs are met, our resource programs help with job searches, education assistance, and legal help. We also refer clients to other agencies and programs for additional support.

  • 554 Individuals received Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) through our Free Tax Preparation program

  • 38 Unemployed or Underemployed Individuals received Employment Assistance through WorkAble, a United Way Program that helps with resumes and interviewing skills

  • 11 Individuals received a one-year LegalShield membership

  • 66 Individuals received legal advice from NHCO's Ask The Attorney Program

  • 21 Non-Traditional Students were awarded Education Assistance grants totaling $20,000 a year to help them with school expenses, including textbooks, test fees, and tuition

Transportation Assistance Program

Lack of reliable transportation can be a barrier for individuals seeking employment, getting to/from work, and it can limit employment opportunities. The Transportation Assistance Program helps individuals stabilize transportation to support employment, job search, or education and vocational training.

218 People received transportation assistance in one of the following ways:

  • Financial assistance for car repairs

  • Insurance payments

  • Car payments or down payments

  • Bus passes

  • Gas cards and fees for ride-sharing services

  • AAA membership

  • Car seats

  • Individual consultations and referrals

Senior Services

NHCO's In Service of Seniors program helps older adults in our community live healthy and safely in their homes.

NHCO provided 397 Seniors with 3,744 Services including:

  • Transportation

  • Home safety checks

  • Food delivery

  • Yard work

  • Snow shoveling

  • Senior buddy check-in calls

Volunteering

791 volunteers gave 23,152.25 hours to make our community a better place. That includes 84 youth volunteers (18 and under) who gave 587.25 hours.

Thank you!