The Jewish Assistance Fund has been providing grants to people challenged with putting food on the table, clothing themselves and their children, paying their rent and utilities and accessing medical care, costly prescriptions, dentures and hearing aids. For over 30 years, volunteer grantors have been meeting with people weekly, listening to their stories, providing immediate financial assistance without expectation of repayment and connecting them to other resources so they can get back on track.
The Jewish Assistance Fund was founded in 1985 by a group of people who recognized that members of the Pittsburgh Jewish community are in such dire financial straits that they need immediate cash assistance to provide the basic necessities of life. Located in the JFCS Squirrel Hill Food Pantry, the Jewish Assistance Fund is a local Pittsburgh 501c3 independent non-profit organization.
Founded in 1985, the mission of the Jewish Assistance Fund is to provide immediate financial assistance, without expectation of repayment, to Jewish people in Western Pennsylvania who have limited resources and are in need of emergency support for food, clothing, housing, utilities and medical necessities.
The Jewish Assistance Fund has a strong tradition of community support and volunteer leadership. JAF's Community Partners include:
Throughout the year, JAF raises funds from individual donors and foundations. In addition to the list of funding sources below, JAF engages the community three times a year through a Passover, Rosh Hashanah and Chanukah/End of Year Appeal. We are uniquely positioned to request, receive and disburse community dollars.
JAF provides an efficient and responsive way for people to fulfill mitzvot and Jewish teachings by coordinating a process that discretely, respectfully and confidentially provides financial resources to members of the community experiencing dire financial challenges and overwhelming financial expenses.
Foundations providing support in 2020 include:
Without repayment for pressing expenses
Living in more than 55 zip codes in Western PA
Ensuring availability of confidential and accessible financial support
For Additional financial resources in the Jewish Community, please visit JFundspgh.org