Homestead
The main waterway in Homestead is the Monongahela River.
Homestead was chartered in 1880 and sits about seven miles up the Monongahela River from downtown Pittsburgh. Homestead Run and West Run are tributaries of the Monongahela, which are both classified as ‘impaired’ by the PA Department of Environmental Protection. They do not meet water quality standards that support aquatic life, fish consumption, potable water, or recreation.
A railroad, glass factory, and iron mill caused the population to boom after 1883, bringing in money and shipping out natural resources. The Carnegie Library of Homestead was opened to the public in 1898, and the historic district includes the site of the Homestead Strike of 1892. The Homestead Steel Works, which closed in the 1980's, was developed into the open-air shopping district The Waterfront. You can still spot the smoke stacks that once filled the air with byproducts.
Click the images to get to a downloadable file of our resource cards.
Water
PA American Water and AlcoSan are the drinking water and sewage treatment providers in Homestead.
PA American Water has multiple customer assistance programs.
If you know you will have trouble making a payment on time, call 1-800-565-7292. If a member of your household has a medical condition that requires water services and you know you will have trouble making a payment, call 1-800-565-7292. If you have a Protection From Abuse (PFA) or other court orders then you can have protections placed on your water service. To receive Protection from Abuse assistance, call 717-550-1538.
The H2O Help to Others Program™ offers grants, discounts, and equipment to help save money on your water bills. Visit www.dollarenergy.org or call 1-888-282-6816.
H2O Help to Others Program (English)
H2O Help to Others Program (Spanish)
The Pennsylvania Homeowner Assistance Fund (PAHAF) helps with housing-related expenses. Visit www.PAHAF.org or call 888-987-2423.
For ALCOSAN Assistance, start by calling Dollar Energy Fund at 1-888-282-6816. They can take your application by phone or help you find a local social service agency for your application. You will need to provide a copy of your water/sewage bill, which includes ALCOSAN charges, as well as your Social Security number and proof of your monthly household income.
For more information and help with navigating bills and qualifications, call PA American Water at 1-800-565-7292 or the sewage collector, Jordan Tax (412) 835-5243.
Transportation
Photo Credit: Tony Webster
The ACCESS program is a door-to-door, advance reservation, shared–ride transportation program provided throughout Allegheny County and to destinations in adjoining counties within 1.5 miles of Allegheny County.
To request an application for the ACCESS ADA Program, call (412) 562-5353.
For an 85% discount on ACCESS fares for anyone aged 65 or over, call (412) 562-5353 and ask for the 65 Plus registration center nearest to you and its schedule. People with valid government-issued photo ID may apply through the mail.
Free Connect Cards are available for Senior Citizens through Port Authority.
Contact your local representative for an application or visit 1633 Pennsylvania 51 Suite G-102 Jefferson Hills, PA 15025.
Food
Rainbow Kitchen is currently distributing food by individually scheduled appointments only. Participants who are already signed up for the pantry receive a call from Rainbow Kitchen each month to schedule their pick-up time. If you live in our service area (see above) and are in need of food assistance, please call 412-464-1892 for more information and to register for the pantry.
Anti-hunger programs, case management assistance, vision services
Breakfast is served from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, Monday through Friday, at Rainbow Kitchen. We are currently providing the daily meals as grab-and-go, individually packaged in take-out containers.
The pantry provides at least a 7-day supply of supplemental groceries, as well as essential non-food items.
Loving Arms Food Pantry, the Living Well Food Pantry, the Methouse Food Pantry and the Second Baptist Food Pantry. These pantries serve low-income elderly residents of local seniors’ apartment buildings each month.
Kids Café is designed to meet the needs of low-income children who are at risk of hunger. Operating in collaboration with area programs serving at-risk youth, Kids Café provides participating children with a hot, balanced, nutritious dinner meal, Monday through Friday, year round.Address: 135 East 9th Avenue
Phone: 412-464-1892
Email: info@rainbowkitchen.org
Employment & Education
Homestead Library provides free adult and youth programming. Check out digital and print media, learn a new language, use the computer, see a performance, or get a membership to the athletic club.
Builders Guild of Western PA provides career opportunities for men and women to learn the construction trade. The program requires a High School Diploma or GED, 18+ Years of Age, Social Security Card, Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Willing to submit a background & drug screening, Some prior work experience preferred, Legally eligible for employment in the USA. Apply Online (buildersguild.org).
Vibrant Pittsburgh posts a Job Board focused on attracting a diverse group of talent to the Pittsburgh region.
Urban Seniors Job Program assists with job applications, building computer skills, and finding opportunities in the Pittsburgh region. You are required to be age 55 and above with previous work experience. Contact (412) 325-3921 for more information.
Bank On Greater Pittsburgh provides access to low-income financial services and education to residents to help the unbanked and under-bank community to establish banking. Call (412) 227-4210 for more information.
Homestead Forms
More information on website: homesteadborough.com/community-resources/
After completing a form, please mail it to the Borough Office, or drop it off at the proper department of the Borough office:
Homestead Borough
221 East 7th Avenue
Homestead, PA 15120
Forms may also be faxed to the Borough at 412-461-4057. Faxing a form to the Borough does not exempt you from payment of the fees associated with the application.