The Bucks County Home Repair Program (BCHRP) will begin accepting applications July 1. Pronounced like “bee-chirp,” BCHRP is a resource available to low-moderate income Bucks County homeowners that provides qualifying households with up to $50,000 for home repairs and modifications.

Bucks County aims to bring necessary repairs to between 120 and 150 owner-occupied homes. Common eligible repairs include roofing, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and accessibility modifications such as ramps and grab bars.

Applications will be accepted online until 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15. Mailed applications must be postmarked by that date.

To assist with the application process, BCHRP will host two in-person application sessions:

• Thursday, July 11, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, July 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

These sessions will take place at Habitat for Humanity of Bucks County, 539 Jacksonville Road, #100, Warminster.

For more information about the program, including the in-person events, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the official Bucks County Home Repair Program website at BucksCounty.gov/BCHRP. Prospective applicants can also call the BCHRP Helpline at 267-899-6544.

Click HERE to view the application.

Save the date for State Services Day with PA State Treasurer Stacy Garrity on Friday, August 9th sponsored by State Senator Frank Farry and State Representatives K.C. Tomlinson, Kristin Marcell, and Joe Hogan.

The FREE event is offered to all residents of the 6th Senatorial District and will take place at Neshaminy Activity Center from 1:30 – 3:30 PM.

PA Treasury staff will be on-site to help find unclaimed property and submit claims, as well as provide information on the PA 529 College and Career Savings plan.  Other state services will also be available, such as processing senior SEPTA passes, help with PennDOT, birth certificates, property tax/rent rebate applications, and more.

Working directly under Bucks County’s Public Health Preparedness department, the BC-MRC is a volunteer group comprised of both medical and non-medical volunteers dedicated to improving the health and safety of Bucks County communities.

The BC-MRC has been instrumental in public health preparedness trainings, exercises, and community events both in Bucks County and in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. BC-MRC volunteers have been deployed in response to local and national emergencies. Our unit has also participated in community vaccination clinics and preparedness drills and exercises, staffed emergency shelters, and provided education at community events and expos.

Their volunteers were heavily involved in Bucks County’s COVID-19 response activities, including staffing a call center, conducting case investigations & contact tracing, and supporting vaccination clinics.

Thanks to a $1,333,268 award from the PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Near Completer Grant program to the Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED), eligible individuals who had to pause their college or career training certificate programs can apply to complete their education or training at no cost. BucksCounty.gov/AimAndAttain

The Bucks County Aim & Attain Near Completer Grant supports Pennsylvania residents who began a postsecondary educational or training program, maintained a 2.0 GPA or higher, and exited after June 1, 2021 before obtaining an associate degree, bachelor’s degree or certificate. To be eligible, participants must complete their study programs by June 30, 2024.

“Aim & Attain provides an immediate, no-cost pathway to secure a college degree or certification for those who may have had to pause their education and training goals,” says Billie Barnes, Executive Director, Bucks County Workforce Development Board. “The award may be applied toward completing a four-year degree or associate degree as well as certificate programs focusing on occupational skills. Upon completion, those already employed will have better opportunities to advance in their current careers, and job seekers can connect with employers for in-demand jobs.”

The program is open to unemployed as well as currently employed individuals who require training to advance in their current field or transition to a different field and may include additional financial support for those who are experiencing a barrier to returning to their chosen program. Benefits include:

• Access to free tuition assistance, mentorship, tutorial services and technology resources
• Free books and educational supplies
• Guidance from a Career Services Specialist
• Connect with staff and resources to assist with job placement

Those who are eligible to participate may attend a postsecondary institution located in Pennsylvania, either in person or online, upon meeting the institution’s admission requirements. WED is partnering with Bucks County schools including:

• Bucks County Community College
• Delaware Valley University (DelVal)
• Holy Family University
• Pennco Technical School

In addition, participating schools and PA CareerLink® Bucks County will provide supportive services to participants, which could include childcare, transportation, or internet access reimbursement.

To learn more or to register, call 267-580-3501 (TTY relay dial 711), or email info@buckscareerlink.org or TJohnson@buckscounty.org.

About the Bucks County Department of Workforce & Economic Development 

The Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED) works to ensure that the local workforce system, covering numerous agencies and multiple disciplines, meets both employers’ needs for skilled workers and workers’ career and economic advancement. It oversees and coordinates one-stop services that support employment and training through PA CareerLink® Bucks County. For more information, visit www.buckscounty.gov.

Collection site for Lower Southampton Township is:
Poquessing Middle School
300 Heights Ln.
Feasterville-Trevose, PA 19053

PECO is sponsoring a tree giveaway.  Residents can use the web link below to register to receive a free tree.  Your tree will be available for pickup on Friday, April 26th between 1 PM – 3 PM at Warminster Community Park, 1100 Veterans Way, Warminster, PA 18974.

Trees are available for reservation on a first come basis while supplies last.

The link is www.arborday.org/peco.

1. Know when flooding may occur. Sign up for alerts.

• Spring is a highly turbulent season that poses a multitude of weather and flooding threats to the Mid-Atlantic.
▪ Late-season winter storms and nor’easters can unexpectedly crush any signs of spring with dangerous winter conditions and coastal flooding.
▪ Major flooding along rivers, streams and creeks can also occur in the spring as a result of warmer temperatures and rainfall interacting with snowpack and river ice.
▪ Warm, humid weather also means an increased threat of tornadoes, severe thunderstorms with lightning, damaging winds, and large hail. In addition, heavy rainfall could cause flash flooding.
• Dangerous weather can happen anyplace and anytime. Dangerous weather includes hazardous conditions such as torrential rain, lightning, damaging straight-line winds, tornadoes, large hail, and flash flooding. No matter where you live, work, or travel you should take steps to prepare.
• Preparing includes making sure you have access to several ways to receive weather and emergency alerts. Download the FEMA app to receive real-time alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations nationwide. Sign up for community alerts in your area.

2. Know what to do. Practice protective measures.

• Flash flooding can develop in just minutes. If a flash flood warning is issued, it means a flash flood is imminent or occurring and you should take action. If you are in a flood prone area move immediately to high ground.
• Turn Around Don’t Drown: Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water. The next highest percentage of flood-related deaths is due to walking into or near flood waters.
▪ Many flood deaths occur from cars being swept downstream. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks.
▪ Many of the flood-related drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road; the road may have collapsed under the flood water.
▪ People underestimate the force and power of water It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters. A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult.
• Evacuate immediately, if told to evacuate. Never drive around barricades. Local responders use them to safely direct traffic out of flooded areas.

3. Know you’re protected. Talk to your insurance agent.

• Purchase Flood Insurance: A flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is your best protection against flood-related loss.
▪ Floods are the most common and costly natural disasters in the United States. Just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage.
▪ Most homeowners’ insurance does not cover flood damage.
▪ Flood insurance is a separate policy that can cover buildings, the contents in a building, or both, so it is important to protect your most important financial assets — your home, your business, your possessions.