In the face of Allegheny County’s proposed 2025 budget and property tax increase, the future of essential social services hangs in the balance. If the 2.2 millage tax hike is not approved, Pressley Ridge will experience a $1.5 million decrease in funding that will jeopardize three key programs that serve at-risk children, youth, and families.
Critical Programs at Risk:
- YVLifeSet: Serving young adults aged 17–22 transitioning from child welfare, YVLifeSet helps clients achieve stability in housing, education, employment, and independence. Without support, these individuals risk falling into homelessness or unemployment, increasing reliance on public resources. In 2023, LifeSet assisted 26 young adults in the county.
- Parents and Children Together (PACT): Focused on reducing truancy and supporting educational achievement, PACT served 140 clients in Allegheny County in 2023, playing a pivotal role in fostering academic success for at-risk families.
- HOMEBUILDERS®: This program provides high-risk families with tools to address safety concerns without removing children from their homes. In 2023, 97 Allegheny County families benefitted from its services.
Without adequate funding, these programs may face significant reductions, leaving many vulnerable individuals without critical support. This loss could lead to increased demands on costly public systems, from homelessness prevention to child protective services.
“These services change lives and strengthen families,” said Jesse McLean, Executive Director of Pennsylvania, Pressley Ridge. “The potential funding cuts would dismantle the progress we’ve made and leave a void for those most in need.”
A decision on the tax proposal will be made during a County Council vote on December 3rd. We urge residents to express their support for funding essential services by calling Allegheny County Council members at 412-350-6490.