GREENSBURG, Pa. – October 30, 2026 -- The FirstEnergy Foundation is investing $115,000 in 14 Pennsylvania organizations that provide housing assistance and support services to people facing homelessness, domestic violence and other housing-related challenges.
The grants are part of the Foundation's expanded Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative. The Foundation increased funding for the program fivefold this year, from $100,000 to $500,000. The initiative covers organizations across FirstEnergy's service territory that offer emergency shelter, transitional housing and support services.
Blackburn Center receives $5,000 for shelter operations in Westmoreland County
The Blackburn Center has served survivors and victims of domestic violence and other crimes in Westmoreland County for nearly 50 years. Its $5,000 grant will support shelter operations, basic necessities and programs for families in crisis.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, described the center as "a lifeline for individuals and families facing some of life's most difficult circumstances."
FirstEnergy Pennsylvania employees at the Greensburg Corporate Center and the Jeannette and Latrobe service centers also ran a donation drive for the shelter's most-needed items. Renee Reitz, Executive Director of the Blackburn Center, said the items will meet client needs while the financial contribution will help sustain the emergency shelter program.
Thirteen other organizations across nine counties share the remaining grants
Four general shelters received awards:
- Opportunity House (Berks County)
- Hope Rescue Mission (Berks County)
- Housing Transitions (Centre County)
- Valley Youth House (Northampton County)
Nine domestic violence shelters also received awards:
- Safe Berks (Berks County)
- Family Services Inc. (Blair County)
- SafeNet Erie (Erie County)
- AWARE, Inc. (Mercer County)
- Women's Resources of Monroe County, Inc., DBA Safe Monroe (Monroe County)
- Bloom for Women (Northampton County)
- Third Street Alliance for Women and Children (Northampton County)
- A Safe Place (Warren County)
- YWCA York (York County)
Foundation has directed over $1.6 million to shelter causes since 2020
Since 2020, the Foundation has donated more than $1.6 million to help people in need of shelter or a place to call home. Nearly $700,000 of that went to organizations supporting domestic violence survivors and their families.
Across all giving priorities, which include housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development and STEM initiatives, the Foundation has distributed more than $6.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's service area so far in 2026.