Community Resources for Local Families

Food, housing, financial help, family support, transportation, legal aid, crisis resources & more

Life happens. Sometimes a family needs a little extra help, and figuring out where to start can be one of the hardest parts.

This guide connects families throughout the Macaroni KID Chambersburg area with local programs and organizations that may be able to help with food, clothing, housing, bills, health care, family needs, employment, transportation, legal concerns, crisis support, and more.

Please contact an organization before visiting whenever possible. Hours, eligibility requirements, available funding, and services can change.

Franklin County Human Services Resources & LINK

425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-261-2561
fccommunityresourceshelp@franklincountypa.gov

If you live in Franklin County and aren't sure which agency to contact, Human Services Resources can help connect you with the right program.

Families can ask about resources for:

• Food and community meals
• Housing
• Clothing and furniture
• Financial assistance
• Prescriptions
• Transportation
• Family and human services
• Other basic needs

Walk-in hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Franklin County Human Services Resources

Fulton County Family Partnership HelpLine

717-485-6767
Toll-free: 888-329-2376

The Fulton County Family Partnership HelpLine provides information and referrals for residents who aren't sure which local organization or program can help.

If staff don't immediately know where to direct you, they can help research available resources.

Bedford County Resources

United Way of Bedford County
119 E. Penn Street, Bedford, PA 15522
814-624-0041

United Way maintains a Bedford County resource guide covering emergency shelter, food, utilities, legal assistance, domestic violence services, and other community needs.

Bedford County Community Resources

🔎 Find the Help You Need

🍎 Food | 👕 Clothing | 🏠 Housing | 💵 Financial Help | 👶 Pregnancy & Babies | 👨‍👩‍👧 Family Support | 🩺 Health & Dental | ♿ Special Needs | 💼 Jobs | 🚗 Transportation | ⚖️ Legal Help | 🧓 Seniors | 🎖️ Veterans | 🧠 Mental Health | 🛡️ Safety & Crisis | ❤️ Not Sure?

🍎 Food Assistance & Community Meals

South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP)

533 S. Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-263-5060

SCCAP provides and coordinates food and other basic-needs programs for local individuals and families.

The Chambersburg Food Pantry serves Chambersburg and surrounding communities. Pantry schedules can change, so check before visiting.

SCCAP can also connect families with other programs related to:

• Housing and homelessness
• WIC
• Family support
• Community resources

SCCAP Food Pantry Information

Waynesboro Community & Human Services (WCHS)

116 Walnut Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-762-6941

WCHS supports qualifying individuals and families in the Waynesboro and Greencastle-Antrim communities with several basic needs.

Programs include:

• Food pantry
• Fresh Express food distribution
• Clothing bank
• Diaper bank
• Emergency financial assistance
• Community Navigator and resource referrals
• Backpack food for students
• Seasonal school and holiday assistance

Important: Appointments are required for the food pantry and financial assistance. Special programs may require advance registration.

Waynesboro Community & Human Services Programs

Salvation Army — Chambersburg

159 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-264-6169

The Salvation Army provides community support that may include food, meals, emergency assistance, and other basic-needs services.

Programs and schedules can change, so call before visiting.

First United Methodist Church of Chambersburg

225 S. Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-263-8491

The church offers community food and meal programs.

Contact the church before visiting to confirm current pantry or meal schedules.

St. Seraphim Orthodox Center

213 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17201

St. Seraphim offers free community meals. Check current community-meal schedules before visiting.

Fairfield Food Pantry

Fairfield Mennonite Church
201 W. Main Street, Fairfield, PA 17320
717-642-8936

The pantry serves families in the Fairfield-area community, including residents of surrounding covered communities.

Call before visiting for current distribution dates and eligibility information.

Bedford County Food Assistance

Bedford Food Outreach: 814-623-4888
Center for Community Action: 814-623-9129

Center for Community Action can help Bedford County residents connect with food assistance and other basic-needs programs.

Looking for another pantry or free meal?

Franklin County Human Services Resources maintains current information about local food pantries and community meals.

717-261-2561

👕 Clothing, Diapers & Household Essentials

Waynesboro Community & Human Services (WCHS)

116 Walnut Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-762-6941

WCHS provides qualifying families with free donated clothing and household items.

Its Diaper Bank may also provide:

• Diapers
• Pull-ups
• Baby wipes

Clothing-bank hours differ from regular office hours, so check before visiting.

WCHS Programs

Little Daisy's Closet

1613 Orchard Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-414-2646

Little Daisy's Closet is a no-cost community outreach program serving Franklin, Fulton, Adams, Cumberland, and Washington County, Maryland.

Available donated items may include:

• Adult and children's clothing
• Shoes and coats
• Bedding and blankets
• Towels
• Personal-care products
• Kitchen and household items
• Small appliances
• Toys
• Nonperishable food
• Pet food

Shopping hours: Tuesday and Thursday, noon-3:45 p.m.
Veterans: May begin shopping at 11 a.m.

Shoppers may currently visit twice per month. A valid photo ID, passport, or permanent resident card is required. When shopping for a child, bring acceptable documentation showing the child's name and date of birth.

Little Daisy's Closet

🏠 Housing & Homelessness

Franklin County Community Connections Housing Access Center

717-261-3893

The Housing Access Center helps individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or struggling to maintain stable housing.

Staff can help connect families with resources such as:

• Emergency shelter
• Housing programs
• Rental assistance
• Utility-related resources
• Housing navigation
• Other community services

Franklin County Shelter for the Homeless

223 S. Main Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-267-3669

Operated by SCCAP, the shelter provides emergency housing and support for individuals and families working toward stable housing.

Call to discuss current availability and next steps.

Waynesboro New Hope Shelter

25 S. Potomac Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-762-5840

New Hope Shelter provides temporary housing, food, and support to homeless men, women, and children from Franklin, Fulton, and Adams counties.

The shelter also helps residents work toward employment and permanent housing.

Waynesboro New Hope Shelter

Franklin County Housing Authority

Chambersburg Office
436 W. Washington Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-263-4200

Waynesboro Office
202 Elder Avenue, Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-762-7117

The Housing Authority administers affordable-housing programs, including public housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs.

Waiting-list availability can change, so contact the Housing Authority for current information.

Franklin County Housing Authority

💵 Financial Assistance & Bill Help

Pennsylvania COMPASS & County Assistance Offices

Pennsylvania COMPASS is the state's online system for applying for benefits such as:

• SNAP food assistance
• Medical Assistance
• Cash assistance
• Other public-benefit programs

Franklin County Assistance Office

620 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-264-6121
Toll-free: 877-289-9177

Fulton County Assistance Office

539 Fulton Drive, McConnellsburg, PA 17233
717-485-3151
Toll-free: 800-222-8563

Families living in other counties can use Pennsylvania's County Assistance Office locator to find the office serving their address.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) — Heating Assistance

Having trouble paying your heating bill?

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants to help eligible Pennsylvania households pay heating costs.

Crisis assistance may also be available during an open program season when a household is experiencing a heating emergency.

• Homeowners and renters may qualify.
• You do not have to receive other public assistance.
• Eligibility is based on household income and size.

Important: LIHEAP is seasonal. The 2025-26 program season is closed as of September 2026, so check Pennsylvania's website for the opening of the next application period.

Current Pennsylvania LIHEAP Information

Weatherization Assistance

Pennsylvania's Weatherization Assistance Program helps eligible households lower energy costs and improve the comfort and safety of their homes through energy-efficiency improvements.

For Franklin, Fulton, and Bedford counties, contact:

Center for Community Action
814-623-9129

Eligibility is income-based, and some households receiving qualifying benefits may automatically meet income requirements.

Waynesboro Community & Human Services — Emergency Financial Assistance

116 Walnut Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-762-6941

WCHS may be able to help qualifying households experiencing an emergency financial need.

Assistance may be available for:

• Housing costs
• Utilities
• Heating
• Prescriptions
• Transportation
• Other urgent needs

WCHS also has a Community Navigator who can assist with budgeting, housing, employment searches, and connecting with other resources.

Appointments are required for financial assistance.

Free Tax Preparation — Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

United Way of Franklin County
182 S. Second Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Appointments: 717-262-0015

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free tax preparation and electronic filing for qualifying individuals and families during tax season.

👶 Pregnancy, Babies & Young Children

Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

WIC provides nutrition assistance, education, and related support to eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5.

Call for eligibility and appointment information.

Pregnancy Ministries, Inc.

Pregnancy Ministries provides free and confidential pregnancy-related services and parenting support.

Chambersburg

455 Phoenix Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-267-3738

Waynesboro

245 S. Potomac Street, Waynesboro, PA 17268
717-655-5603

Services may include:

• Pregnancy testing
• Ultrasounds
• Pregnancy-options information
• Parenting education
• Pregnancy and infant support

Important: Pregnancy Ministries states that it does not perform or refer for abortion services.

Pregnancy Ministries

Child Care Works & Early Learning Resource Centers

Need help finding or paying for child care?

Pennsylvania's Early Learning Resource Centers (ELRCs) can:

• Help families find child-care providers
• Provide information about quality child care
• Give personalized child-care referrals
• Help eligible families apply for Child Care Works subsidized child care

Child Care Works Helpline:
1-877-4-PA-KIDS

Find Your Early Learning Resource Center

Head Start

Head Start provides early-childhood education and family-support services to eligible young children and families.

Franklin County Head Start: 717-263-8019

Call for current enrollment and eligibility information.

👨‍👩‍👧 Children & Family Support

Franklin County Children & Youth Services

717-263-1900

Children & Youth Services is Franklin County's public child-welfare agency and works with children and families when there are concerns about a child's safety or well-being.

After-hours emergencies: 717-263-1611

Pennsylvania ChildLine

800-932-0313

ChildLine is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of suspected child abuse.

Children's Aid Society — Family Advocacy

The Family Advocacy Program supports families who may benefit from additional help creating or maintaining a safe and stable home.

Support may include:

• Home visits
• Family support
• Case management
• Referrals to other community services

Waynesboro Community & Human Services — School & Seasonal Support

Qualifying families in the Waynesboro and Greencastle-Antrim school communities may also find programs through WCHS such as:

• Back-to-school supplies and clothing
• Weekend backpack food
• Christmas food and gift assistance

Special programs require sign-up and are offered according to current availability.

717-762-6941

Not Sure Which Family Program You Need?

Franklin County residents can call:

717-261-2561

Human Services Resources can help identify which local service may be the best fit for your family's situation.

🩺 Health, Medical, Dental & Insurance Help

Keystone Health — Reduced Fees & Insurance Enrollment

111 Chambers Hill Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201
Outreach Enrollment Navigators: 717-709-7969

If you are uninsured, underinsured, or aren't sure what health coverage your family may qualify for, Keystone Health's Outreach Enrollment Navigators can help.

They can assist families with:

• Medical Assistance applications
• Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
• Other health-care coverage options
• Keystone Health's Sliding Fee Discount Program
• Identifying documentation needed to apply

Keystone's Sliding Fee Discount Program can reduce the amount qualifying patients owe for participating Keystone Health services. Eligibility is primarily based on household income and family size.

Walk-ins are accepted, and Spanish-language assistance is available.

Keystone Health Sliding Fee Discount Program

Medical Assistance Dental Benefits

Children enrolled in Pennsylvania Medical Assistance receive coverage for medically necessary dental care.

Dental coverage for adults varies according to eligibility and the type of service needed.

For help finding a dentist who participates in Medical Assistance, contact your HealthChoices plan or the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program.

Prescription Help for Older Adults

Pennsylvania's PACE and PACENET programs help eligible Pennsylvania residents age 65 and older reduce prescription-drug costs.

Apply or ask questions:
1-800-225-7223

Eligibility includes age, residency, and income requirements.

PACE/PACENET Information

♿ Disability & Special Needs Resources

Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities & Early Intervention

425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-264-5387
Toll-free: 800-841-3593

Franklin/Fulton Mental Health, Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities and Early Intervention connects eligible children and adults with services related to developmental disabilities, autism, developmental delays, and other support needs.

Depending on eligibility, funding, and individual needs, available services may include:

• Supports coordination
• Home and community-based services
• Day programs
• Supported employment
• Respite
• Companion services
• Residential supports
• Home or environmental adaptations

Call 717-264-5387 to begin the intake process for IDD services.

Early Intervention — Birth to Age 3

Concerned about your baby's or toddler's development?

Early Intervention provides eligible infants and toddlers with developmental services and support.

Services may include:

• Developmental evaluation
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Special instruction
• Hearing or vision support
• Social work

Franklin/Fulton MH/IDD/EI: 717-264-5387
Pennsylvania CONNECT: 800-692-7288

Families can make a referral themselves.

Preschool Early Intervention

For preschool-age children:

Franklin County — Lincoln Intermediate Unit:

717-624-6491

Fulton County — Tuscarora Intermediate Unit:

814-542-2501

The Arc of Franklin & Fulton Counties

2314 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-264-4390

The Arc supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.

Parents of school-age children may especially benefit from Educational Advocacy, which can help families understand:

• Evaluations
• Special-education services
• Available resources
• The IEP process
• Their child's educational needs and supports

Educational Advocate:
717-377-4495

💼 Employment & Job Support

Looking for work, changing careers, or trying to build new skills?

PA CareerLink provides free workforce services that may include:

• Job searching
• Resume assistance
• Interview preparation
• Career planning
• Training opportunities
• Veteran employment services
• Connections to other workforce programs

PA CareerLink Franklin County

600 Norland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-264-4584

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

South Central PA CareerLink Locations

PA CareerLink Adams County

Currently Remote/Virtual
717-334-6610

Hours are generally Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

PA CareerLink Bedford County

203 Pennknoll Road, Everett, PA 15537
814-623-6107

PA CareerLink Fulton County

122 W. Market Street, McConnellsburg, PA
717-485-5131

🚗 Transportation

rabbittransit

Schedule or ask about a ride:
800-632-9063

rabbittransit provides shared-ride transportation services in Franklin County.

Depending on the program and eligibility, transportation may be available for:

• Medical appointments
• Older adults
• Individuals with disabilities
• Other approved transportation needs

Stop Hopper

Stop Hopper provides on-demand public transportation in the Chambersburg and Fayetteville service areas.

800-632-9063

Current Franklin County service operates Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Rides can be scheduled through the app or by phone.

Stop Hopper Information

Transportation for Veterans

Franklin County veterans may be able to use free transportation from Chambersburg and Greencastle to VA medical facilities in Hagerstown and Martinsburg.

Reservations:
800-632-9063, option 3

Call for current schedules and eligibility.

⚖️ Free & Low-Cost Legal Help

Franklin County Legal Services

336 Lincoln Way East, Suite B, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-262-2326

Franklin County Legal Services provides free civil legal representation, advice, and education to qualifying low-income individuals.

Legal problems may involve areas such as:

• Housing
• Family stability
• Income or livelihood
• Safety
• Other civil legal needs

Franklin County Legal Services

MidPenn Legal Services

Apply for legal help:
800-326-9177

MidPenn Legal Services provides free civil legal services to qualifying low-income residents and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault throughout Central Pennsylvania.

Depending on your situation, help may be available with issues involving:

• Housing and eviction
• Utilities
• Consumer and debt concerns
• Family-law matters
• Domestic violence
• Other civil legal problems

The telephone intake unit is generally open from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

MidPenn Legal Services

🧓 Seniors, Grandparents & Caregivers

Franklin County Area Agency on Aging

717-263-2153
Toll-free: 800-642-6990

The Area Agency on Aging connects adults age 60 and older, families, and caregivers with a wide range of services.

Depending on need and eligibility, programs may include:

• Meals and nutrition
• Transportation
• Caregiver support
• In-home assistance
• Senior activity centers
• Benefits information
• Medical-equipment loan programs
• Long-term care information and advocacy

Local Senior Activity Centers

Chambersburg: 717-264-8191
Greencastle: 717-597-2020
Mont Alto: 717-749-7294
Path Valley: 717-349-7227
St. Thomas: 717-369-2520
Tuscarora/Mercersburg: 717-328-4744
Upper Strasburg: 717-530-1186
Waynesboro: 717-762-2758

Senior centers provide meals, activities, social opportunities, education, and other programming.

Grandparents & Older Relatives Raising Children

Are you a grandparent or older relative raising a child?

Franklin County's Caregiver Support Program may help qualifying caregivers with support and certain eligible expenses.

Contact:

Franklin County Area Agency on Aging
717-263-2153

The program serves eligible older relatives and grandparents and considers family needs when determining available assistance.

🎖️ Veterans & Military Families

Franklin County Veterans Affairs

425 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202
717-263-4326

Veterans Affairs helps veterans and their families understand and access available benefits and services.

Assistance may include:

• VA benefit claims
• Appeals
• Health-care enrollment
• Temporary assistance
• Outreach programs
• Referrals to other veteran resources

Appointments are encouraged.

🧠 Mental Health, Addiction & Crisis Support

If Someone Is in Immediate Danger: Call 911

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988

The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support.

You do not need to wait until a situation becomes life-threatening to reach out.

Crisis Text Line

Text PA to 741741

Text-based crisis support may be helpful for someone who is more comfortable texting than making a phone call.

Franklin County Crisis Intervention

717-264-2555

24-hour hotline:
866-918-2555

Crisis services are available for individuals experiencing a mental-health crisis.

Franklin/Fulton Drug & Alcohol Programs

717-263-1256

Call for help locating:

• Substance-use treatment
• Recovery services
• Support programs
• Other drug and alcohol resources

House of Hope of Franklin County

230 E. Queen Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201
717-414-7666

House of Hope provides a structured and stable residential environment for women working through recovery and other serious life challenges.

Contact House of Hope for current residential availability and application information.

House of Hope of Franklin County

🛡️ Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault & Victim Services

Women In Need (WIN) Victim Services

24-hour hotline:
717-264-4444
800-621-6660

WIN provides free and confidential services for victims of domestic and sexual violence in Franklin and Fulton counties.

Services include:

• 24-hour hotline
• Emergency shelter
• Counseling
• Support groups
• Legal advocacy
• Transitional housing
• Victim/witness services
• Education and prevention

Services are available to women, men, and children affected by domestic or sexual violence.

WIN Victim Services

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Child Abuse Concerns

Pennsylvania ChildLine:
800-932-0313

ChildLine is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of suspected child abuse.

Help Us Keep This Guide Current

Community programs change frequently.

If you know of a free or low-cost community resource serving families within the Macaroni KID Chambersburg coverage area that should be included — or if you notice information that needs to be updated — please contact Macaroni KID Chambersburg.

This guide was created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed and edited by a human. We strive to provide accurate, helpful, and up-to-date information for local families.