guides

Harrisburg and West Shore Resources for Families in Need

By Rachael Benion, publisher, Macaroni KID Harrisburg and West Shore August 8, 2024

Mental Health Service Providers:

If you or a family member are currently in crisis, please dial 911

Suicide Prevention

If you or a family member are currently in crisis, please dial 911

Drug & Alcohol:

Grief and Loss Resources:

Local & State Resources:

PA 211 - Resource call center – Website: www.unitedwaygcr.org/call-211

Medical Assistance – Website: www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/Medical-Assistance

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) - www.chipcoverspakids.com

  • Crisis intervention Cumberland County: 717-763-2222
  • Crisis intervention Dauphin County: 717-232-7511
  • Crisis intervention Lancaster County: 717-394-2631
  • Crisis intervention York County: 717-851-5320
  • Contact Helpline -24/7 Emotional Support soft line for life issues . They do not provide any long term services and are not a suicide hotline. Toll Free 800-932-4616 . Local Numbers 717-652-4400 or 717-249-6226 Teen Line 717-394-2000

Food Supports:

Pandemic Electronic Benefits Transfer (P-EBT) – The state is providing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to students who are eligible to receive free or reduced-price meals at school. This program, known as Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT), will be temporary and is designed to bridge the gap left by the end of the school year and help families who may have strained resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

If a family’s economic situation has changed since school closures began, they can still apply for the National School Lunch Program and, if determined eligible, receive P-EBT benefits. Families can apply online at www.compass.state.pa.us

Falcon Packs – A supplemental food program for Lower Dauphin students, Falcon Packs will operate over the summer on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 100 West Main Street, Hummelstown.

Food Banks/Pantries


Click Here for the Capital Area and Cumberland Valley Food Banks and Pantries Guide





Click Here for the Capital Area and Cumberland Valley Soup Kitchen Guide



Housing and Shelter


Click Here for the Capital Area and Cumberland Valley Shelter and Housing Resource Guide




Community-Based Support Organizations & Resources:

Lower Dauphin Communities That Care – Phone: 350-0428; website: www.ldsd.org/ctc

The Giving Tree – Website: www.givingtreeofhummelstown.org

Good Shepherd’s Clothing Closet – Phone: 566-0252; website: tumchtown.org/ministries/shepherds-closet

Community Action Commission:  http://www.cactricounty.org

County Assitane Office:  http://www.dpw.state.pa.us

Spanish-Speaking Resources:

Latino Hispanic American Community Center – Website: lhacc.org/programs

UPMC Pinnacle Enrollment Specialists - Shannon - 717-782-2727 / 717-580-9920 / TwiggSR@upmc.edu;  Iris - 717-782-2383 / 717-810-6495 / Wintersis@upmc.edu