Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry

To connect at risk Northwest Philadelphia residents to resources within themselves and the community, that resolve their crises, stabilize their lives and equip them to take the next step(s) toward self-sufficiency.

Program Descriptions—Germantown Avenue Crisis Ministry was established in 1997 to assess the needs and provide referrals to public programs of low income Northwest Philadelphia residents in zip code areas 19118, 19119, 19126, 19138, 19144, 19150. Over the years the ministry has expanded to include case management, energy and housing assistance, budget counseling. Dependent upon the funding source, services can be provided to those residing outside the target zip codes. These programs include:

Comprehensive Assessment - GACM takes a holistic approach to client service. In addition to addressing the presented crisis which brings someone to the office, counselors’ screen for root causes of problems and opportunities to resolve them.

Neighborhood Energy Center (NEC) Energy Counseling Service—GACM is one of fourteen contracted Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA) Neighborhood Energy Centers (NEC). We provide a "one-stop shop" for all services ECA offers.

Applications for programs such as LIHEAP, Crisis, PGW’s Customer Responsibility Program, PECO’s Customer Assistance Program and Philadelphia’s Water Revenue Assistance Program (WRAP) are often the first line of defense to address utility concerns. 

Utility Emergency Service Fund (UESF)— GACM is a UESF Utility Grant Program intake site. UESF provides financial assistance to low income individuals and families who have had their services terminated or are facing utility terminations. Philadelphia Electric Company (PECO), Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW), and the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) provide matching funds in the form of dollar for dollar utility bill credits.

Food Cupboard—GACM’s Food Cupboard provides canned goods and perishable items to be prepared by the recipient at home. Using prescribed content and quantities per household size, clients can enter the cupboard and select what they need.

THRIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM –THRIVE Certificate Program provides the opportunity for self-improvement. Decision Making, Financial Management, Computer Know-How and Health and Wellness are areas where participants learn to make better decisions and gain more control over their lives.