Westmoreland County unveils new social services grant program

Westmoreland leaders expect a $3 million grant program launched Monday to make a significant impact on mental health care in the county.

Up to 20 grants will be distributed to nonprofit agencies and organizations that serve residents who have become increasingly in need of social services since the onset of the corona­virus pandemic in 2020.

“This is our attempt to really address mental health issues throughout our community,” said Rob Hamilton, the county’s director of human services. “We’re looking at this as sustainability for these programs as we move along.”

Commissioners late last year authorized the grant program that will be paid for with a portion of the county’s $105 million American Rescue Plan allocation. Nonprofit agencies with annual budgets of at least $300,000 that provide mental health programs, services for homeless residents and job training efforts are eligible to apply for individual grants that total at least $150,000.

Hamilton said about 130 agencies in the county are eligible for the grants.

Grants are expected to target mental health support and prevention, including crisis support and mobile response and homelessness programs, including both emergency shelter and affordable housing.

Organizations that provide services for low-income children and youth and those that offer workforce development initiatives that help lead students to local jobs also will be eligible for the grants.

Westmoreland Community Action conducted a survey last year that found 71% of responding residents said they or their family were personally affected by the pandemic, including those who reported loss of income, child care changes, increased depression and anxiety and isolation.

“We believe that, by focusing on mental health and expanding access to essential services, we can help build a stronger, more resilient community for everyone. We are excited to continue working with our partners to drive meaningful impact and create a bright future,” said Commissioner Sean Kertes.

Commissioners in December hired the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to oversee the grant program.

“The county commissioners and Department of Human Services recognized that regional nonprofits would have the boots-on-the-ground knowledge of community needs, and that the community foundation could help guide nonprofits through the funding process,” said Community Foundation Executive Director McCrae Martino.

Applications, which are available on the Community Foundation’s website, will be accepted through May 12. Commissioners are expected to award the grants in July, Hamilton said.

Agencies will have until the end of 2024 to spend the money.

“The covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health, and we recognize the urgent need for support and resources in our community,” said county Commissioner Doug Chew.

The program is the latest allocation from the county’s covid relief funds. Commissioners since 2021 earmarked nearly $56 million to various projects, including purchases to upgrade technology, reconstruction of the underground courthouse parking garage and removal of blight in a handful of local communities.

American Rescue Plan funds also have been set aside to create a workforce development program at local schools and water and sewer upgrades. A $4.4 million grant to the county food bank was approved this year.

Commissioners awarded more than $7.4 million — including a $5 million gift to Excela Health — in 2020 and 2021 in grants to nonprofit agencies from the county’s first allotment of federal covid-relief funds as part of a $31.5 million CARES Act allocation.