I've been in deep poverty before and I am struggling now due to the pandemic, so I know it sucks. I have gotten help on DU before quite a few years ago.
I can't help with donations because of my own situation....but I am VERY familiar with your area and the resources out there.
I'll defend you on the dental thing. I know where you're located. It's very hard to find dentists that take Medicaid in this county and most that do are pretty terrible. It's a passion of mine to try to get better Medicaid coverage for adult dental care in this state. That said, I'd recommend getting your basic cleaning covered by a Medicaid dentist rather than paying out of pocket. I know there are limitations on coverage for root canals and cavities and dentures, but even the basics at the shithole sites for free is better than no dental care at all or spending hundreds out of pocket.
If you are unemployed and mom is unemployed then you both should be covered under SNAP. MontCo services will help guide you with employment as well. Being on state aid, you can go through pacareerlink.net
I'm confused on the transportation. You both have Medicaid. Transnet is available. That's through the Suburban Transit Network. You'll fill an application through them (with Find My Ride) and they will determine your needs through there. Here is their primary link:
https://www.suburbantransit.org/home
You'll see that they have a few different transportation categories - Medical assistance, Senior ride share, etc.
There is also the MontCo Transportation hotline. 1-866-507-4857
Their website is
https://ptma-mc.org/services/#montco-transportation-helpline
There is Family Services of MontCo. They help families in need and they have a section for senior services. They are for Mont Co and their main office isn't too far - right down Ridge in Eagleville. They can provide guidance on utility assistance, food assistance, transportation, etc. They have a section and a contact email address right in their senior services section about Meals on Wheels. Their website is:
https://fsmontco.org/
And their direct senior page with the info on MoW is:
https://fsmontco.org/what-we-do/older-adults
Daily Bread is a nearby food pantry. They are right there on Ridge. They are also good with helping people pinpoint resources:
https://dailybreadcommunityfoodpantry.org/services/
Outside of Medicaid, try these for dental care. They may help point you in the right direction:
https://dvch.org/
or
https://www.communitymedicaldental.com/
or
Abington Jefferson Health Dental Care Access Program Contact Information:
51 Medical Campus Drive
Lansdale, PA - 19446
(215) 855-8296
The last one is in Lansdale, but they may be able to direct you. I was in their ER for for an abcess that needed antibiotics asap because I could not get care with the Medicaid dentists. They are the ones that gave me the above info.
PECO has several programs that are not LIHEAP. I know...I use them. We are in their CAP program. They also have other programs available. Call the main number and they will direct you on what to do and how to apply. It's on their website, too.
St. Vincent de Paul is another great organization that can help. They offer some assistance with things like rent, utilities, etc. Their volunteers are pretty handy and can help direct you to other reaources. Now, there is ZERO requirement to have any religious affiliation. It's not like a lot of evangelical orgs that want you to come to church, take a bible, or anything like that. You don't have to be Catholic, Christian, or anything to receive help. They'll help atheists. I have received assistance for rent many years ago. They also helped with a car repair at the height of the pandemic. You can call any Catholic church for SVdP, but I checked and it looks like Sacred Heart there on Walnut St has a direct line for the organization:
https://sacredheartroyersford.org/st-vincent-depaul
Get the low cost help from Comcast.
We all need phones in this day and age. You already have Comcast and a phone. If you don't have their mobile plans, switch. It's about $20 for a 1GB plan. I have both of my kids on 1 GB plans. The cost for those two lines in $32/mo. Comcast uses Verizon's system, so the coverage is very good. Since you have Comcast at home, you can use the in home WiFi as well as Xfinity free wifi outside the home. That is what we do and then the 1GB of data is for emergencies.
MontCo senior services:
https://www.montcopa.org/148/Senior-Services
I am sure you know Giant and Aldi allow you to order with SNAP online.
Walmart also allows you to order with SNAP online. If your friend can do a weekly pick up for you then it's free. They deliver, too, but it's not free. Pick up is completely free and you can use SNAP online.
Amazon Prime has a SNAP discount. Hook up your EBT card through them. You'll get a monthly Prime discount and you can order certain pantry items covered by SNAP.
I know employment is difficult. If you need to get out and get your body moving or find social connection and STAY COOL in this heat.....the Spring Valley YMCA is excellent. You'd qualify for a free membership just based on income.....but some of the Medicaid plans have a free membership. You and mom would qualify for a free family memebership. They often have cool programs there in addition to the usual fitness classes, gym, pool. Plus.....I know this is difficult.....they are a very good option for employment. Pay isn't the best and they cap hours, but it is a more gentle way to ease into employment. They tend to be very flexible with hours.
https://www.philaymca.org/locations/spring-valley-ymca
https://www.philaymca.org/join/financial-assistance-program
I hope this helps. Excuse any typos. My phone is a piece of shit and the autocorrect is fucked up beyond recognition. It took me an hour to type this. Good luck to you and your mom.
