Find Help. Find Hope.
I work, but I still cannot keep up with bills.
This Life Path is for working people, lower-middle-class families, and middle-income households who may not think of themselves as needing assistance but are still struggling with bills, rising costs, debt, transportation, child care, healthcare, or unexpected expenses.
Where to start
Start with the pressure point that is creating the most stress right now.
Utilities or shutoff notice
Look for energy assistance, LIHEAP, utility hardship programs, local charities, and shutoff-prevention resources.
Food or household costs
Food pantries, community meals, school meals, diaper banks, clothing closets, and household supply programs may help stretch income.
Rent, mortgage, or housing pressure
Housing counseling, emergency rental assistance, legal aid, and community organizations may help before the situation becomes an eviction or foreclosure crisis.
Transportation or car repair
Transportation help, medical rides, workforce transportation, and local charitable programs may help people stay employed and connected.
Debt, budgeting, or credit
Financial counseling, nonprofit credit counseling, tax help, and consumer legal resources may help create breathing room.
Child care and family expenses
Child care subsidy information, parenting programs, school supports, and family resource centers may help reduce pressure on working families.
A note from Bootstraps PA
Everyone needs help sometimes. Asking for support does not mean you failed. It means you are looking for a path forward before a hard month becomes a lasting crisis.
Libraries & Digital Access
Libraries can help with internet access and paperwork
Lackawanna County libraries may help with public computers, Wi-Fi, printing, scanning, faxing, resumes, job applications, benefit applications, homework help, and digital tools. Search for Libraries & Digital Access in the resource directory.