First and foremost, the Lazarus Fund Ministry provides micro-grants to those in need of monetary help with utilities and/or housing. Currently, up to $400 can be given to any individual showing need that lives within or is moving to Allegheny county.

The main touchpoint of the ministry is completed through an intake interview. Each applicant to the fund goes through a phone interview with a participating intake volunteer. During the interview, an application form will be filled out in partnership between the applicant and interviewer.

Basic information such as proof of identity, financial income, and financial need will be collected. Each application interview takes from 30-45 minutes.

The application is then submitted for approval.

Example reasons for a denied application include: the applicant has received a grant within the last three years, the applicant owes significantly more than the $400 grant can alleviate, or the applicant is not an Allegheny county resident.

If the application is approved, the micro-grant will be sent directly to the applicant’s utility or property management company.

Funds are never distributed directly to applicants.

This is done to protect the fund, applicant, and the utility or management company. It ensures a record of funding, and provides the ability of the fund to prove payment so that there is no question of the grant’s payment status.

To apply for funds, please contact a participating church.

Participating churches can apply for up to $2,400 to be paid directly to and administered by the congregation. We encourage each participating congregation to have their own team of volunteers to conduct interviews and have oversight of these funds. Congregations then can distribute funds after conducting interviews directly to landlords, mortgage, or utility companies (up to $400 per applicant) as they see fit.

Once a congregation has depleted their current funds they are welcome to apply for more!