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Community Resources for Serving Immigrant Residents
We value diversity within our community. State College is home to some 11,000 international university students from 137 countries, and continues to grow each day. The State College Area School District is home to speakers of more than 30 different languages with a website capable of translating materials in these languages to ensure all feel welcome. We are happy to welcome you to our community and hope you find this webpage helpful.
- Community Resources
- Health and Medical Services
- Public Safety
- Housing
- Food
- Legal Services
- Financial Support/Counseling
- Student/Language Support
Disclaimer
The material and information contained on this website is for general information purposes only. These are external links and the Borough of State College is not responsible if one of the links is not working or if the services of a resource listed on this webpage has changed.
We are always working to improve this page and the list of resources. If you are not finding what you are looking for, you can direct any questions to the Office of Community Engagement at engage@statecollegepa.us.
AIDS Resource
AIDS Resource is a non-profit, community-based organization founded in 1988 to provide support for those living with HIV or AIDS. AIDS Resource has expanded their services to include prevention and education, testing, and connections to medical care, support groups, and other social services. A more detailed description of their services can be found here or on their website.
Contact: Kirsten Burkhart; kirstenfelix@gmail.com; 570-419-1990
Website: https://aidsresource.com/
Centre Volunteers in Medicine
Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) offers free medical care for those with a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level. Their services include: General Medical Services, Women’s Health Services, Case Management, a Medication Assistance Program, and Dental Services. Please visit the CVIM website for a more detailed description of their services.
Contact: Anyone can access care by calling (814) 231-4043.
Website: https://cvim.net/
Mount Nittany Health
Mounty Nittany Health provides primary, specialized, emergency, and surgical care to Central Pennsylvania residents.
- Mount Nittany Medical Center is an acute-care facility offering medical, surgical, diagnostic, and community services.
- Mount Nittany Physician Group provides primary care and specialty care such as cardiology or obstetrics-gynecology (OB/GYN)
To learn more about all services provided, please visit mountnittany.org.
Mount Nittany Health provides services based on an open admission policy. This means that all Mount Nittany Health services will be provided to all individuals without regard to the individual’s ability to pay. Eligibility for free care will be determined in most cases after the services have been provided.
Contact: Please call (814) 231-7000 to be directed to the appropriate contact for the services needed.
Website: https://www.mountnittany.org/
Pregnancy Resource Clinic
Pregnancy Resource Clinic exists to educate, encourage, and empower men and women to make well-informed life choices. They provide completely free and confidential services related to pregnancy, parenting, and sexual health.
Contact: Mariele Schechter, Office Manager; mariele@scprc.com
Website: https://www.scprc.com/
State College Police Department
The State College Police Department provides 24-hour police assistance to the Borough of State College, Harris and College Townships. More information about the State College Police Department’s policy on Anti-Bias Based Policing and Immigration can be found here. In an emergency situation, residents should call 911. For any in-progress or other matter that requires an immediate answer or response, residents can call (814) 234-7150.
Contact: Call 911 in an emergency situation; police@statecollegepa.us
Website: https://www.statecollegepa.us/police
University Police and Public Safety
This brochure provides an overview of the services and units that are housed at the University Police and Public Safety. It can also be found on the University Police and Public Safety website.
Contact: (814) 865-1864; Call 911 for immediate assistance during an emergency.
Website: https://www.police.psu.edu/
Centre County Housing Authority
Centre County Housing Authority (CCHA) provides affordable housing options for citizens of Centre County. Programs provided by CCHA include: Housing Choice Voucher Program, Project Based Vouchers, Tax Credit Program, Elderly and Disabled Housing, Family Unification Program, and Market Rent Properties. More detailed information about these housing programs can be found on the CCHA website.
Contact: Lori Haines; lhaines@centrecountyhousingauthority.com; (814) 355-6750 ext. 9
Website: https://www.centrecountyhousingauthority.com/
Housing Transitions
Housing Transitions has been providing services for individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis since 1984. Their Centre House Shelter is able to provide shelter for those experiencing homelessness and they have a number of programs to help people find permanent housing solutions after experiencing homelessness. In addition, they provide resources to find affordable housing in Centre County.
Contact: The Centre House Shelter may be reached at (814) 237-5508; The Housing Case Manager who provides assistance with affordable rentals is available at (814) 237-1944.
Website: https://housingtransitions.org/
Out of the Cold
Out of the Cold is a community supported organization that answers the call to serve those experiencing homelessness in our community by providing shelter, food, and support services during the transition to permanent housing. If there are any immigrants experiencing homelessness, Out of the Cold is happy to assist in their transition into housing.
Contact: ootccentreco@gmail.com; (814) 852-8864
Website: http://www.ootc3.org/
English Language Learner Fund
The English Language Learner Emergency Family Fund (ELL EFF) started in March 2020 when Covid-19 brought the economy to a halt and their grassroots initiative was established to help sustain local immigrant families with children in the SCASD. They began by providing food, then paid rent and some utilities until families returned to work. They also helped fill extraordinary requests for items which improved the quality of life including, air conditioners, bicycles and school desks. Currently ELL EFF helps families with emergency assistance based on individual requests.
Contact: Linda Barton; eslinda54@gmail.com; 814-441-1817
State College Food Bank
The State College Food Bank has a mission to provide food security, directly or indirectly, to people in Centre County, thus ensuring that no one in Centre County goes hungry regardless of age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, creed, or disability. They are committed to making our community a better place through their mission and programs, and their primary focus is to ensure access to healthy and nutritious food for anyone who is in need of support and assistance.
All clients must provide proof of residency for all adults and children who reside in a household within the geographical jurisdiction, which includes the State College Borough, Port Matilda Borough, and in the following townships: College, Ferguson, Halfmoon, Harris, Huston, Patton, Taylor, and Worth. All clients must have a referral from one of the partner agencies listed on their website (scfoodbank.org), and sign a “self-declaration of need” form. Clients are provided with supplemental grocery distributions every 30 days that will last for approximately 7-12 days.
Contact: Allayn Beck, Executive Director; allayn@scfoodbank.org; Virginia Meadows, Operations Manager; operations@scfoodbank.org
Website: https://scfoodbank.org/
YMCA Anti-Hunger Program
The YMCA of Centre County Anti-Hunger Program offers food for anyone facing food insecurity during these unprecedented times of COVID. Food that is available is shelf stable items, refrigerated and frozen foods. The Anti-Hunger Program can deliver food for people who lack transportation or ability to pick up food. There are also multiple food distributions throughout Centre County. No one is turned away from this program.
Contact: To get more information contact Mel Curtis at (814) 342-0889 or mcurtis@ymcaocc.org or Facebook YMCA of Centre County Backpacks for all programs for food insecurity.
Website: https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org/
Centre Safe Civil Legal Representation Project
The Civil Legal Representation Project (CLRP) provides free legal assistance to victims of domestic and sexual violence in the area of family law, specifically custody and divorce. CLRP can also provide referrals for legal assistance regarding immigration matters for survivors of domestic violence.
Contact: Hotline (814) 234-5050
Website: https://www.centresafe.org/services/legal-representation/
MidPenn Legal Services
Description: MidPenn can provide free legal services in some civil matters to legally admitted individuals who meet their eligibility guidelines. Additionally, MidPenn provides assistance to victims of domestic violence seeking Protection From Abuse orders regardless of income or status.
Contact: Robin J. Foor, Managing Attorney; rfoor@midpenn.org; 1-800-326-9177 ext. 1402
Website: https://www.midpenn.org/
Student Legal Services at Penn State
Description: Student Legal Services provides Penn State students at the University Park campus facing personal legal issues with advice, representation, referrals, and other legal services. To get started, complete their intake form or stop by during drop in hours. They can assist with a wide range of criminal, civil, and immigration matters, such as:
- Asylum and temporary protected status applications
- Summary criminal citations
- Traffic tickets
- Lease reviews
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Consumer issues
- Marriage petitions
Contact: Kelly Mroz, Director; mroz@psu.edu; (814) 867-4388
Website: https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices
Borough of State College
The mission of the State College Borough is to ensure that its residents have an exceptional quality of life. This means they are here to make sure this community immediately feels like home to all of its residents. Everything the Borough does is to make life in State College as worry-free as possible. The Borough provides services to ALL residents of the community, regardless of citizenship status. Services, included but not limited to, are public safety police services, public health, ordinance enforcement, tax services, affordable and fair/equitable housing, and more! Don’t hesitate to contact staff for any questions/concerns.
Contact: Business Hours: (814) 234-7100; Non-Business Hours: (814) 234-7150; The Office of Community Engagement is available to help connect you with services and staff. Email Community Engagement Staff at engage@statecollegepa.us. You can contact local elected officials at boro@statecollegepa.us.
Notice: All Borough employee emails may be subject to public disclosure under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Right to Know Act.
Website: https://www.statecollegepa.us/
Bridge of Hope
Bridge of Hope Centre County helps single mothers who are facing homelessness. If there is an immigrant mother who is struggling with housing, they would be able to provide rental assistance, case management services, and connection to a supportive community that would help a family reach long-term stability.
Contact: Tirzah Gibboney; Tirzah.boh@gmail.com; (814) 237-HOPE (4673)
Website: https://centre.bridgeofhopeinc.org/
Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc.
Central Pennsylvania Community Action, Inc. is a private, non-profit social service organization. Their mission is to strengthen communities in Centre and Clearfield Counties by providing programs and services to families and individuals so that they may become self-sufficient. They currently offer programs and services under the domains of weatherization, housing, food, and medical assistance transportation.
Contact: Residents may call them at 1-800-822-2610, email at cpcainc@cpcaa.net, and/or visit their website.
Website: https://www.cpcaa.net/
Centre County Government
Centre County Government’s Office of Adult Services administers programs that serve low-income and/or disabled adults and their families to meet basic needs, work towards self-sufficiency, and offer protection for those at their highest vulnerability. The Office of Adult Services can provide direct services and make referrals to community resources. The four categories of services provided through the Office of Adult Services include: housing, case management, food assistance, and homemaker services. Centre County Government also offers an Emergency Rental Assistance Program which was created to assist renters with rental and utility assistance. The application for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program is available here, and is translated in several languages. Please note that citizenship status and SSNs are not required to be completed on the application to qualify for assistance.
Contact: Centre County Government Office of Adult Services; (814) 355-6768; adultservices@centrecountypa.gov
Website: https://centrecountypa.gov/308/Adult-Services
Centre Helps
Centre Helps runs a 24/7 emotional support, crisis support, and resource referral hotline. Centre Helps serves as the local call center for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Hotline counselors are able to provide referrals to a wide variety of local and national resources to help with mental health, financial, and other concerns. The hotline can also provide referrals to the Basic Needs Case Management Program, which provides short term case management, and connection to local resources to prevent financial crises such as eviction or utility termination. Basic Needs Case Managers may be able to connect households in need to private, non-government-sourced assistance funding.
Contact: The Centre Helps hotline number is 814-237-5855. Centre Helps also has Spanish translation available by email at info@centrehelps.org.
Website: https://www.centrehelps.org/
Centre Safe
The mission of Centre Safe is to empower survivors of domestic/dating violence, sexual assault and stalking and to work toward the elimination of that violence. Centre Safe offers several programs: Prevention/Education, Emergency Shelter, Counseling and Advocacy Services, Transitional Housing, Civil Legal Representation Project, and Child Access Center. Please visit their website for more detailed information about these programs.
Contact: Hotline (814) 234-5050
Website: https://www.centresafe.org/
Faith Centre
Faith Centre provides clothing vouchers to be used in their store twice yearly. Clients do not need an appointment. Vouchers are available on Tuesdays and Fridays. Clients can simply go to the store to obtain a voucher. The voucher must be used on the day of collection.
Contact: Thrift Store Staff; (814) 355-2238
Website: https://www.faithcentre.info/thriftstore.html
Global Connections
Global Connections is a community-based organization, founded in 1961, that builds community across cultures. They unite international citizens, students, and professionals with local residents to support and educate one another about other cultures, values, and ways of life. Global Connections’ primary directive is to foster meaningful relationships through service, education, and partnership. Their activities include digital programs on cultural differences, cultural luncheons, English classes, book clubs, discussion groups, poetry readings, and a wide variety of informal activities and interactions.
Contact: (814) 863-3972; gc-cc@psu.edu
Website: https://www.gc-cc.org/
Interfaith Human Services
Interfaith Human Services, through their caseworkers, provides representative payee services. They use the client’s income to assure basic needs are met and that funds are used for their benefit. They provide money management and budgeting education, and emergency funds for things such as rent, security deposits, medication etc. Interfaith Human Services accepts donations of serviceable furniture and appliances and provide them free of charge to low-income individuals / families. They also operate the Centre County Fuel Bank for those that have exhausted their LIHEAP aid from the state.
Contact: Main Number (814) 234-7731
Website: https://www.interfaithhumanservices.org/
Salvation Army of Centre County
Please find a description of the many services that they provide to immigrant residents linked here.
Contact: Elin Kjelgaard, Case Manager; (814) 861-1785
Website: https://pa.salvationarmy.org/statecollege
United Way Centre County
Contact: Wendy Vinhage; wendy@ccunitedway.org; (814) 470-1278
Website: https://www.ccunitedway.org/
YMCA of Centre County
YMCA of Centre County is a non-profit health and human services organization committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. Founded and supported by the community, they want all of their programs and services to be accessible to everyone regardless of age, race, background, ability, or income. The YMCA of Centre County will work with you every day, making sure that you, your family, and your community have the resources and support you need to learn, grow and thrive. With a focus on developing the potential of kids through youth programming, improving individual health and well-being through fitness classes and gym access, and giving back and supporting their neighbors through food distributions and child care programs, the YMCA of Centre County is bringing about meaningful change within the community. Learn more at www.ymcaocc.org.
Contact: Emilie Hettinger; ehettinger@ymcaocc.org; (814) 355-5551 ext. 1230
Website: https://www.ymcaofcentrecounty.org/
International Student and Scholar Advising
International Student and Scholar Advising (ISSA), also known as DISSA, an office within Penn State’s Global Programs, serves approximately 11,000 international students, scholars, and faculty at all of Penn State’s campuses. ISSA provides advocacy, advising, support, and immigration processing to the international population at the university.
Contact: International Student and Scholar Advising, Penn State Global;
410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802
Website: https://global.psu.edu/
Mid-State Literacy Council of State College
Mid-State Literacy Council offers English language programs including classes and one-to-one tutoring for adult residents of Centre and Clearfield Counties.
Contact: Jennifer Walter; jwalter@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org; (814) 238-1809
Website: https://www.mid-stateliteracycouncil.org/
Disclaimer
Last Updated May 7, 2021
The information included on this webpage is pulled directly from: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This information does not constitute health advice by the Borough of State College.
What is COVID-19?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) corona virus that has not previously been seen in humans. Because it is a new virus, scientists are learning more each day. Although most people who have COVID-19 have mild symptoms, COVID-19 can also cause severe illness and even death. Some groups, including older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions, are at increased risk of severe illness.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#Basics
What options are available for COVID-19 vaccination?
According to CDC, “three vaccines are authorized and recommended in the United States to prevent COVID-19:
- Pfizer-BioNTech
- Moderna
- Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen”
Pursuant to the recommendations on their website, CDC does not make a preference for one vaccine over another. Individuals 16 and 17 years of age must receive the Pfizer vaccine only. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are only recommended for those who are 18 years and older.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html
Am I eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH), Pennsylvania is now in Phase 2 of the vaccine rollout which means that all Pennsylvanians age 16 and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
Are there side effects associated with the COVID-19 vaccine?
According to the CDC website, it is normal to experience mild side effects, regardless of which vaccine you receive. Such side effects may include “chills or tiredness” which “may affect your ability to do daily activities.” Experiencing side effects is normal, as it indicates that your immune system is learning how to fight the virus and that the vaccine is working.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html
Does the federal government charge for the COVID-19 vaccination?
According to the CDC website, “The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.”
The CDC explains further that “COVID-19 vaccination providers cannot:
- Charge you for the vaccine; Charge you any administration fees, copays, or coinsurance; Deny vaccination to anyone who does not have health insurance coverage, is underinsured, or is out of network; Charge an office visit or other fee to the recipient if the only service provided is a COVID-19 vaccination; or Require additional services in order for a person to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; however, additional healthcare services can be provided at the same time and billed as appropriate.
COVID-19 vaccination providers can:
- Seek appropriate reimbursement from the recipient’s plan or program (e.g., private health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid) for a vaccine administration fee; However, providers cannot charge the vaccine recipient the balance of the bill Providers may also seek reimbursement for uninsured vaccine recipients from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s COVID-19 Uninsured Program.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html
Can I receive the COVID-19 vaccination if I am undocumented?
On February 1, 2021, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement; “DHS and its Federal government partners fully support equal access to the COVID-19 vaccines and vaccine distribution sites for undocumented immigrants. DHS encourages all individuals, regardless of immigration status, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine once eligible under local distribution guidelines.”
Do I have to provide documentation to receive the COVID-19 vaccination?
Neither the CDC nor the Pennsylvania DOH websites specifically state that you need to provide particular documentation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the CDC does recommend contacting the provider where you will be vaccinated “for details about what identification and proof of eligibility you may need to bring to your vaccination appointment.”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html
Where can I sign-up to receive the vaccine?
The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides a user-friendly map on their website to help individuals locate vaccine providers in their area. Vaccine providers include “hospitals, urgent care centers, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies.” You can contact the vaccine provider of your choice directly from the map to schedule an appointment. Please use the link below in order to utilize the map.
https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/coronavirus/Vaccine/Pages/Vaccine.aspx
I live in Centre County, where can I sign-up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Based on our understanding, Centre Volunteers in Medicine (CVIM) vaccinates anyone, regardless of citizenship status, in accordance with the State Department of Health Plan. No documentation is required to receive the vaccine. Please use the link below in order to schedule an appointment or visit their website.
If you need language assistance in making an appointment, you can contact CVIM via their main phone number at (814) 231-4043. If you have an English-speaking friend or family member who can assist you in calling the clinic to complete the eligibility process, CVIM can then connect you to an interpreter.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/cvim1stdosecovidvaccination
Where can I find additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine?
Church World Service (CWS) has produced a set of informational videos about the COVID-19 vaccines for refugee and immigrant communities. These videos are currently available in English, Arabic, Nepali, Swahili and Spanish. There are currently six videos in the series, and they can be accessed on YouTube at the link below.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCw7jHHy5LkLzO0A33KDpBSpr3V4gOIoE
Should I retain my vaccination record card and what if it gets lost or damaged?
According to the CDC website, you will receive a COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card after you receive the vaccination. The record card will tell you which brand of the vaccine you received and when you are due for a second dose, if required. Therefore, you should retain your vaccination card.
In case your card gets lost or damaged, you should contact the facility that administered the vaccine or reaches out to your local or state immunization information program.
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/iis/contacts-locate-records.html