October 5, 2026

DILLSBURG-The House Republican Policy Committee, chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder, Union, Mifflin, Juniata), joined Rep. Marc Anderson (R-York) for an Oct. 1 hearing at New Hope Ministries to examine how community organizations are helping Pennsylvania families manage rising costs and how state government can remove barriers that stand in the way of serving their neighbors.

The hearing, "Neighbors Helping Neighbors," brought together local nonprofit leaders, pastors, veterans advocates, and people who have received assistance. Testimony highlighted food assistance, affordable childcare, housing needs, and the partnerships that help families through difficult times.

In his opening remarks, Rowe cited United Way of Pennsylvania's 2026 ALICE report, which found that nearly four in 10 Pennsylvania households lacked enough income to cover basic needs in 2024, including many earning above the federal poverty level.

"The people who are here today, and so many in northern York County, are skipping the middleman and they're helping people with their own time, their own money, their own resources, and that's what today is about," Anderson said.

Eric Saunders, executive director of New Hope Ministries, described the organization's work across York, Adams, and Cumberland counties, including food, housing, employment, and transportation assistance. He testified that governmental support accounts for less than 10% of its annual operating budget and that 2,500 volunteers contributed 150,000 hours of service during the past year.

"We're serving double the number of people and providing more than double the number of services we were just five years ago. Part of that is an affordability crisis," Saunders said.

Pastor Thad Sales of Calvary Methodist Church described requests for help with rent, utilities, gasoline and prescriptions. The church provides financial assistance, clothing and community meals, while partnering with other local organizations.
"While there are so many wonderful neighbors helping neighbors, it can only go so far. The scale and the scope of rising costs is growing beyond what neighbors can do," Sales said.

"When we talk about affordability and rising costs, we are talking about decisions that every family makes around their kitchen tables. Can we cover the groceries? How about the electric bill? How much is left after rent? What happens if the car breaks down or somebody has to take a week off work?" Rowe said. "For families already stretching every paycheck, an unexpected expense can put basic necessities out of reach."

Members also heard from Rodney Carberry, commander of Dillsburg American Legion Post 26, about the post's support for veterans, schools, local charities, and families. Carberry urged lawmakers to update gaming policies so community organizations can continue raising money to support their charitable work.

Pastor Matthew Castillo, founder of Believers Early Learning Center in York Haven, described families who earn too much to qualify for childcare subsidies but cannot afford full tuition. He asked members to consider ways newly licensed centers could access scholarship support while working toward additional program qualifications.

"But there needs to be some sort of window for new programs to be able to receive these dollars, especially in cases where you're in a childcare desert where it drastically affects the community," Castillo said.

His testimony prompted discussion of barriers to Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC)-supported preschool scholarships and the broader demand for assistance through Pennsylvania's EITC and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. Members also discussed the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit and efforts to urge Gov. Josh Shapiro to opt into the program to expand access to educational scholarships. To date, 30 states have opted in.

Community support also helps veterans find companionship and a sense of belonging. Dean Vanzinardi of Veterans Lake Fishing described how donations from local organizations and businesses allow him to provide fishing outings and equipment for veterans. He urged members to address transportation and accessibility barriers that can prevent veterans from taking part.

The testimony also showed what these services mean to the people who rely on them. Kyle Sentz, a father of three, described how New Hope Ministries helped him navigate life as a single parent, providing groceries, assistance with childcare payments and gasoline, and a place to turn when he felt overwhelmed. Shirley Fortunato shared how her church and the local senior center helped during her recovery from an injury.

Rowe closed the hearing by thanking those who shared their experiences and emphasizing that community generosity must be matched by action in Harrisburg to make everyday necessities more affordable.

"I think today's testimony has really put a human face on a lot of the challenges that Pennsylvania families deal with every day. It's shown the difference that local organizations can make in helping families through difficult times," Rowe said. "You know, for a family wondering how they'll get through the week, having somewhere to turn in your community really matters."

Full hearing and testimony can be found at policycommittee.com.

Representative David H. Rowe
85th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Nancy Nilson
717.787.3443
[email protected]
www.policycommittee.com