Community Resources for Serving Immigrant Residents
Community Resources for Serving Immigrant Residents Updates
We value diversity within our community. State College is home to people from numerous countries around the world, and it continues to grow each day. The State College Area School District is home to speakers of multiple 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.
2026: Welcoming Week: The Power of Narratives
As part of Welcoming America’s Welcoming Week campaign, the Borough of State College and the Penn State Dickinson Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic hosted a panel discussion on the power of narratives and the diverse immigrant experiences that make up the State College community.
The event took place on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Borough of State College Municipal Building. During this event, conversations explored how stories, language, and public discourse shape one’s understanding of immigration, while also providing insight into the realities of navigating the immigration process.
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 have 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 deib@statecollegepa.us.
- BOROUGH POLICIES
- PUBLIC SAFETY
- HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES
- HOUSING
- FOOD
- LEGAL SERVICES
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT/COUNSELING
- STUDENT/LANGUAGE SUPPORT
- CULTURAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT
- PENN STATE RESOURCES
- PAST EVENTS
- BOROUGH POLICIES
- PUBLIC SAFETY
- HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES
- HOUSING
- FOOD
- LEGAL SERVICES
- FINANCIAL SUPPORT/COUNSELING
- STUDENT/LANGUAGE SUPPORT
- CULTURAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT
- PENN STATE RESOURCES
- PAST EVENTS
FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE DURING AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911
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.
Contact: (814) 234-7150; police@statecollegepa.us
Website: https://www.statecollegepa.us/police
University Police and Public Safety
University Police and Public Safety serves and protects the community with respect, professionalism, and accountability while striving for excellence. UPPS is committed to serving all its residents, including noncitizens. For a description of the policies at University Police, see https://www.police.psu.edu/upps-policies.
Contact: (814) 865-1864
Website: https://www.police.psu.edu/
FOR MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, PLEASE CALL 911
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; kirsten@aidsresource.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: (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/
Geisinger
Geisinger is an integrated health care delivery and coverage organization offering services throughout Pennsylvania. The Geisinger healthcare system includes nine hospital campuses, a member health plan, two research centers and the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine. Geisinger maintains multiple sites in State College which offer a variety of medical services including walk-in care, family medicine, internal medicine, and others.
Website: https://www.geisinger.org/
Contact (800) 275-6401
Penn State Health
Penn State Health is an integrated academic health system serving patients and communities across 15 counties in central Pennsylvania. Their mission is to improve health through patient care, research, education, and community outreach. Their system includes locations in State College, Hershey, Enola, Camp Hill, Reading, Lancaster, and Harrisburg.
Website: https://www.pennstatehealth.org/
Penn Highlands Healthcare State College
Penn Highlands Healthcare is comprised of nine hospitals located throughout Pennsylvania, including Penn Highlands State College. The health system’s business continuum also includes a home care agency, long-term care facilities and residential senior living communities, as well as durable medical equipment companies and retail pharmacies. Being focused on what is important – patients and families – makes Penn Highlands Healthcare a great choice for healthcare in the region.
Website: https://www.phhealthcare.org/
Contact: (582) 220-2345
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/
Guidance for Pennsylvania Healthcare Facilities to Address Law Enforcement Visits Onsite
In August of 2025, Penn State Dickinson Law’s Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, University of Pittsburgh School of Law Human Rights Clinic, and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Civil Rights & Racial Justice created a healthcare protocol. The protocol aimed to clarify how healthcare providers should respond to immigration enforcement, offer best practices to maintain trust with immigrant communities, and prevent legal liability from improper cooperation with law enforcement. To view the healthcare protocol, please visit: https://dickinsonlaw.psu.edu/assets/uploads/documents/UpdatedHealthcare-Guidelines.pdf
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.
Executive Director: Lori Haines; lhaines@centrecountyhousingauthority.com
Phone Number: (814) 355-6750
Website: https://www.centrecountyhousingauthority.com/
Centre County Government, Office of Adult Services
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 three categories of services provided through the Office of Adult Services include: housing, case management, and food assistance. Office of Adult Services has some programming is available regardless of immigration status.
Website: https://centrecountypa.gov/308/Adult-Services
Contact: (814) 355-6768; adultservices@centrecountypa.gov
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. Those seeking services must be residents of Centre County.
Phone Number: (814) 237-5508
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. Those seeking services must be residents of Centre County and at least 18 years of age.
Contact: ootccentreco@gmail.com; (814) 852-8864
Website: https://www.outofthecoldcc.org/
Centre Safe Emergency Shelter
Centre Safe operates an emergency shelter, the Sylvia Stein Shelter, for victims of domestic violence. The shelter provides numerous resources, including housing for up to thirty days (with the potential for extensions), support for individuals and their children, emergency food, bus tokens, and more. An individual is eligible for emergency shelter if they are a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking; if they can take care of themselves and their children; and if they are not a threat to themselves or others.
Website: https://www.centresafe.org/services/emergency-shelter/
Contact: Executive Director Jennifer Pencek, (814) 238-7066; Hotline (814) 234-5050
Centre County Government, Office of Adult Services
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 three categories of services provided through the Office of Adult Services include: housing, case management, and food assistance. Office of Adult Services has some programming is available regardless of immigration status.
Website: https://centrecountypa.gov/308/Adult-Services
Contact: (814) 355-6768; adultservices@centrecountypa.gov
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
Housing Transitions
Housing Transitions has an emergency food pantry that is available to all Centre County residents and can be utilized once a month. The pantry provides shelf-stable food. Housing Transitions requests that those needing food call ahead to schedule a pickup, which can be any day between 9:00am-9:00pm daily.
Phone Number: (814) 237-5508
Website: https://www.housingtransitions.org/foodpantry
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. Food that is available is shelf stable items, refrigerated and frozen foods, when available. 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/programs/youth-development/feeding-our-children/
Lion's Pantry
The Lion’s Pantry is a student-founded, student-run, and student-led organization providing support to students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. We offer free, nutritious food and other essentials to help you stay healthy and focused on your academic and professional goals. The Pantry is available to anyone with a Penn State ID: currently enrolled students, as well as university faculty and staff. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us directly at thelionspantry@psu.edu.
Contact: thelionspantry@psu.edu
Website: https://thelionspantry.psu.edu/
SCASD Food Services
Free or reduced-price meals are available for families who apply and meet income eligibility guidelines. Learn more about eligibility guidelines and apply for help. Families with gross income of less than $4,957 per month are eligible for meal benefits. Families who are not approved for free or reduced-priced meals must maintain account balances to pay for their children's lunches. Please email the Food Service Office if your family is not approved for free or reduced meals but is experiencing financial hardship and needs help. Community donations may be available for you.
Contact: Megan Schaper, Food Service Director; 814-231-5095; foodservices@scasd.org
Website: https://www.scasd.org/departments/food-services/welcome-to-scasd-food-services
Centre Safe Civil Legal Representation Project
The Civil Legal Representation Project (CLRP) at Centre Safe provides free legal assistance, advice, representation, and referrals to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking in Centre County, including women, men, people who are LGBTQ+, students, immigrants, and the elderly. The main areas in which we provide legal assistance include: divorce, custody, child/spousal support, Title IX cases, sexual assault cases, protection orders, and immigration matters. These areas of the law often present complicated and emotionally difficult issues to deal with. In order to achieve the best possible outcome, it is important to have an attorney who is experienced in these areas, and one who understands the unique dynamics of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Contact: Hotline (814) 238-7066 OR Toll Free # 1-877-234-5050
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: Daniel Mckenrick; dcm230@psu.edu; (814) 867-4388
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 deib@statecollegepa.us 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 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. For private, non-government-sourced funding assistance, individuals must be a resident of Centre County. No questions relating to immigration status are asked for services. The hotline number is open to anyone, and individuals do not have to be residents of Centre County.
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: Executive Director Jennifer Pencek, (814) 238-7066; Hotline (814) 234-5050
Website: https://www.centresafe.org/
Faith Centre
Faith Centre provides clothing vouchers three times a year 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. Faith Centre also provides food assistance, which has state guidelines it must abide by. Finally, Executive Director Dr. Summers reviews any requests for utilities financial assistance.
Contact: Thrift Store Staff; (814) 355-2238; Executive Director: nsummers@faithcentre.info
Website: https://www.faithcentre.info/thriftstore.html
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. Individuals must be residents of Centre County to qualify for services.
Contact: Main Number (814) 234-7731
Website: https://www.interfaithhumanservices.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 childcare 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/
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. Services are open to any adult resident of Centre and Clearfield Counties and no information regarding status is necessary to qualify for services.
Contact: Bridget Schell; mslc@mid-stateliteracycouncil.org; (814) 238-1809
Website: https://www.mid-stateliteracycouncil.org/
State College Area School District English Language Development (ELD) Program
The State College Area School District ELD Program provides English Language Learners with an instructional curriculum that will enable them to fully participate in their educational experience in school and in their social lives in the community. The ELD Program K-12 is content-based and aligned with the Pennsylvania English Language Proficiency and Academic Standards. Language instruction focuses on developing communication and literacy skills as well as academic knowledge in the content areas of math, science, social studies, and American culture. This program is available to students in the State College Area School District.
Website: https://www.scasd.org/academics/english/english-language-development-eld/eld-program-overview
English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC)
The English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC) is an academic center designed to provide advanced English language support to international students and scholars at Penn State, and to foster engaged intercultural communication across the Penn State community. If you are an international student, faculty member, or researcher, you can access a menu of services designed to boost your skill and confidence in advanced genres of academic and professional English. If you are a program administrator, EPPIC offers specialized workshops and other services to address the needs of your unit. You must have a Penn State email to participate.
Website: https://eppic.la.psu.edu/
Contact: eppic@psu.edu; Director: Dr. Meredith Doran, mcd15@psu.edu 814) 865-6696
Study of Adult Literacy
*Provides ESL classes for community members.
English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center
Engage State College
Engage State College is a platform which shares various events, allowing the community to engage with projects and provide feedback. Active projects are shared on Engage State College’s website where community members can participate in community-centered events.
Website: https://statecollegepa.civilspace.io/en
Community Diversity Group (“CDG”)
The CDG’s mission is to bring diverse people together to cultivate inclusive, engaged communities within Centre County. The CDG hosts an annual Multicultural Unity Fair, celebrating the rich diversity of cultures with activities, games, performances, and a resource fair. Additionally, the CDG hosts a community diversity conference; cultural corners formed to hold cultural conversations; cultural empowerment of women events; and community parties and potlucks. For more information, please visit the website below.
Website: https://www.communitydiversitygroup.org/new-page-4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/312588634200/
Contact: Carol Eicher at (814)574-1302; communitydiversitygroup@gmail.com
Happy Valley Latin Festival
The Happy Valley Latin Festival is a one-day music and arts festival dedicated to bringing together Latin music, food, and arts vendors, showcasing the vibrance and diversity of the Latinx/Hispanic culture in Central Pennsylvania.
Contact: hvlatinfestival@gmail.com
Website: https://happyvalleylatinfestival.org/about-2/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/happyvalleylatinfestival; https://www.instagram.com/hvlatinfestival/#
Juneteenth Celebration Weekend
Each year, State College hosts a weekend-long Juneteenth event, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Juneteenth marks the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclaiming, which ended the American Civil War. For more information on Juneteenth, please visit Downtown State College website below.
Website: https://downtownstatecollege.com/event/2025-state-college-juneteenth-celebration/
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (“APIDA”) Heritage Festival
The APIDA Caucus at Penn State University and State College’s PanAPIDA Circle in Downtown State College host the annual APIDA Heritage Festival. The festival embraces food, music, and live performances that celebrate the APIDA community. The Borough of State College and the Paul Robeson Cultural Center co-sponsor the APIDA Heritage Festival. For more information regarding the festival, visit the website below.
Website: https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/community-belonging/get-involved/community-celebrations
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/
Centre County Government, Office of Adult Services
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 three categories of services provided through the Office of Adult Services include: housing, case management, and food assistance. Office of Adult Services has some programming is available regardless of immigration status.
Website: https://centrecountypa.gov/308/Adult-Services
Contact: (814) 355-6768; adultservices@centrecountypa.gov
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
Housing Transitions
Housing Transitions has an emergency food pantry that is available to all Centre County residents and can be utilized once a month. The pantry provides shelf-stable food. Housing Transitions requests that those needing food call ahead to schedule a pickup, which can be any day between 9:00am-9:00pm daily.
Phone Number: (814) 237-5508
Website: https://www.housingtransitions.org/foodpantry
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. Food that is available is shelf stable items, refrigerated and frozen foods, when available. 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/programs/youth-development/feeding-our-children/
Lion's Pantry
The Lion’s Pantry is a student-founded, student-run, and student-led organization providing support to students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. We offer free, nutritious food and other essentials to help you stay healthy and focused on your academic and professional goals. The Pantry is available to anyone with a Penn State ID: currently enrolled students, as well as university faculty and staff. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us directly at thelionspantry@psu.edu.
Contact: thelionspantry@psu.edu
Website: https://thelionspantry.psu.edu/
SCASD Food Services
Free or reduced-price meals are available for families who apply and meet income eligibility guidelines. Learn more about eligibility guidelines and apply for help. Families with gross income of less than $4,957 per month are eligible for meal benefits. Families who are not approved for free or reduced-priced meals must maintain account balances to pay for their children's lunches. Please email the Food Service Office if your family is not approved for free or reduced meals but is experiencing financial hardship and needs help. Community donations may be available for you.
Contact: Megan Schaper, Food Service Director; 814-231-5095; foodservices@scasd.org
Website: https://www.scasd.org/departments/food-services/welcome-to-scasd-food-services
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/ also: https://global.psu.edu/landing/connect-issa
Email: issa-adviser@psu.edu
Contact: (814) 865-7681
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/
Lion’s Pantry
The Lion’s Pantry is a student-founded, student-run, and student-led organization providing support to students, faculty, and staff experiencing food insecurity. We offer free, nutritious food and other essentials to help you stay healthy and focused on your academic and professional goals. The Pantry is available to anyone with a Penn State ID: currently enrolled students, as well as university faculty and staff. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, please contact us directly at thelionspantry@psu.edu.
Student Legal Services at Penn State
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: Daniel Mckenrick; dcm230@psu.edu; (814) 867-4388
Website: https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/legalservices
English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC)
The English for Professional Purposes Intercultural Center (EPPIC) is an academic center designed to provide advanced English language support to international students and scholars at Penn State, and to foster engaged intercultural communication across the Penn State community. If you are an international student, faculty member, or researcher, you can access a menu of services designed to boost your skill and confidence in advanced genres of academic and professional English. If you are a program administrator, EPPIC offers specialized workshops and other services to address the needs of your unit.
Website: https://eppic.la.psu.edu/
(814) 856-6696
University Police and Public Safety
University Police and Public Safety serves and protects the community with respect, professionalism, and accountability while striving for excellence. UPPS is committed to serving all its residents, including noncitizens. For a description of the policies at University Police, see https://www.police.psu.edu/upps-policies.
Contact: (814) 865-1864.
Website: https://www.police.psu.edu/
About Welcoming America
Launched in 2009, Welcoming America is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that leads a movement of inclusive communities becoming more prosperous by ensuring everyone belongs.
Since 2012, Welcoming Week has served as an annual campaign and celebration to showcase the growing movement of communities striving to be more welcoming places for all, including immigrants. By fostering mutual respect and cooperation between residents of all backgrounds, Welcoming Week aims to bring together people across lines of difference toward greater prosperity for all.
A growing number of places recognize that being welcoming leads to prosperity. Welcoming America provides the roadmap and support they need to become more inclusive toward immigrants and all residents. To learn more about Welcoming America, visit https://welcomingamerica.org.
2022: Welcoming Week Event, Refugees are Welcoming Here: A Community Conversation
2021: Welcoming Week Event, Naturalization and Workshop Celebration
The Borough of State College, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic, and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to Host Naturalization Workshop and Celebration
State College, Pa – As part of Welcoming America’s Welcoming Week campaign, the Borough of State College, Penn State Law Center for Immigrants’ Rights Clinic and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services are hosting an in-person naturalization workshop and celebration.
This event took place on Monday, September 13, 2022, at 4 p.m. in the Community Room of the State College Municipal Building (243 South Allen Street) and was streamed via Facebook Live.
During this workshop, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and celebrate those who have been naturalized. To learn more about Welcoming America, please visit https://welcomingamerica.org/initiatives/welcoming-week/.