- Last Updated on Thursday, 29 October 2020 20:14
New COVID-19 Relief Effort Helps Address Income Loss, Emergency Expenses
While the community still reels from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, many struggle with knowing where to turn. Fortunately, South Hills Interfaith Movement (SHIM) has implemented a new effort to help connect people in financial hardship due to COVID-19 with the programs and services best suited to help.
“The community is still suffering, and we’ve seen that one unexpected setback – a medical bill, a sudden cut in hours, a furnace malfunction – can make a bad situation even more devastating,” said James Guffey, SHIM’s Executive Director. “Here at SHIM, we’ve seen more people than ever struggling for the first time, unsure of which programs can help or how to apply. So we’ve developed a dedicated system to help people in our community navigate the complex network of aid available.”
People facing hardship due to COVID-19 are encouraged to connect with SHIM to navigate and access programs available, especially as eligibility and application timelines vary. For this customized assistance, please contact SHIM at (412) 854-9120, option 7 or visit shimcares.org/covid-relief.
In addition to the new COVID-19 relief effort, SHIM has reimagined its three SHIM food pantries to be socially distanced; they are located at Baldwin United Presbyterian Church, SHIM Center in Bethel Park and Whitehall Presbyterian Church. Learn more at shimcares.org.
“We’ve been here in the South Hills – helping people however we can— for more than 50 years,” Guffey added. “But we’ve never faced anything like this before, so together we’re committed to doing what we can, living our motto, ‘neighbors helping neighbors.’”
