Due to COVID-19, we have transitioned our Social Services department to operate virtually. Please email socialservices@wscah.org or call 212-362-3662 ext. 126 for assistance.
WSCAH recognizes that food insecurity is a multifaceted issue and there are many other factors that might contribute to why one is food insecure. In response, WSCAH created its Social Services department to provide customers with a comprehensive suite of benefits to aid them on their paths to self sufficiency. Benefits include: referrals to access shelter, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, financial counseling and tax preparation, educational programs, immigration legal assistance, and sign ups for health insurance, SNAP, SCRIE, and DRIE. All clients who come through WSCAH’s door meet with a member of the Social Services team who guide first-time customers through an initial intake assessment which informs what benefits and services they might be eligible for.
Health Care
If you are not insured, we can help you enroll in a health plan, find a doctor, and obtain prescription drugs. We can also help you find an affordable clinic to receive medical services you may need.
Financial Relief
From February through April, we host a free tax return service. If you work, you can apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit. We can help you with Public Assistance, HASA, Social Security benefits, rent increase and exemption programs.
Food & Nutrition
You may be eligible for SNAP (Food Stamps), Women Infants and Children (WIC), Free or Reduced School Meals. We can also help you find senior meals, food pantries and soup kitchens in your community.
Education & Job Training
West Side Campaign Against Hunger can refer you to many programs: our own Customer Chef Training Class or GED, English as a Second Language Class, child care, resources for special needs, job training and resume assistance.
Housing & Homelessness
West Side Campaign Against Hunger can refer you to housing services, and provide information on supportive housing, legal advocacy and other options.
Success Story:
A 64 year old woman who lost employment as a home attendant due to COVID-19 reached out to WSCAH in search of aid in May 2020.
As a new customer, she went through our extensive intake assessment and expressed that she needed help acquiring food. One of our Social Services counselors called her, and she was pre-screened for SNAP benefits. She was approved for $109 of Expedited SNAP benefits and $194 of on-going SNAP benefits.
She later mentioned that she lost health insurance coverage due to her unemployment. Our NYS Health Assister helped enroll her in the Marketplace, and she was approved for Medicaid.
She later mentioned that she was 2 months behind on her rent. Our Social Service Counselor asked if she would like to apply for unemployment benefits.
She applied for unemployment in June and was approved for $504 weekly payments as well as the weekly pandemic unemployment of $600 which she started receiving the week after she applied. She also received her back weekly payments of $9,336. She is truly grateful for the support she received from WSCAH and is now considering early retirement.