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For more resources, visit our Quick Links page
Local Affirming Businesses
- Our List of Lancaster’s Queer & Affirming Businesses
Healthcare
Physical Health
- Local Medical Doctors
- Union Community Care offers assistance and free healthcare to patients in need.
- DrugWatch’s comprehensive LGBTQ+ Health Guide
- Medical Marijuana virtual assessments
Mental Health
- Local Mental Health Specialists
- https://www.radicaltherapycenter.com
- For copay assistance:
- Hershey Adolescent Gender Clinic (Psychiatry/Counseling/Services)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Línea Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio: 1-888-628-9454
- Crisis Text Line: Text “PA” to 741-741
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
- Lancaster Crisis Intervention is a 24-hour emergency mental health support service for individuals in Lancaster County
- The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention to queer youth
- GLSEN strives to ensure that all members of school communities are valued and respected regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation
Substance Abuse
- Support and Referral Helpline: The Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
- (OMHSAS) has partnered with the Center for Community Resources to offer a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person’s needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
- The Support & Referral Helpline can be reached toll-free, 24/7 at 1-855-284-2494 (TTY: 724-631-5600).
- (OMHSAS) has partnered with the Center for Community Resources to offer a 24/7 mental health and crisis support line for people dealing with anxiety or other difficult emotions. Callers will be able to speak with staff who are trained in trauma-informed principles and will listen, assess the person’s needs, triage, and refer to other local supports and professionals as needed.
- The Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs’ Get Help Now Helpline, is a confidential, free, 24-hour-a-day, 365-day-a-year, information service, in English and Spanish. It provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations for individuals with a substance use disorder or their loved ones. Callers can also order free publications and other information.
- 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- RainbowRecoveryDharma
- LGBTQ+ Alcoholism Resource Guide
- Addiction & Mental Health Resources for Supporting Black Men
Affirming Faith Services
Trans* Specific Resources
- Hair Removal
- Voice Therapy
- Ashley Avenoso – Wilmington, DE 19805
- (302) 655-6135
- Kathe Perez’s 30 Day Crash Course
- Renee G. Blaker – Doylestown, PA 18901
- (215) 345-8682
- Voice Analysis Web-App
- Ashley Avenoso – Wilmington, DE 19805
- Surgery
- Dr. Christine Mcginn
- Dr. Bryan Cicuto
- Dr. Corral, Baltimore
- https://www.transhealthcare.org/
- University of Pennsylvania Plastic Surgery Dept
- Dr. Joseph Serletti- Plastic Surgery– Accepts Insurance, Offers top surgery- chest minimizing and chest augmenting procedures.
- Dr. Jordan W Swanson, MD, MSc- Facial surgery
- Dr. Caroline Cox- Urogynecology Surgery- Accepts Insurance, hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and vaginectomy
- Dr. Puneet Masson- Surgery- Accepts Insurance, orchiectomy
- Dr. Peter Vasquez- Gynecological Surgery- Accepts Insurance, Hysterectomy
- Dr. Holly Cummings- Gynecological Surgery- Accepts Insurance, Hysterectomy
- Dr. Katherine Rose- Multiple surgeries, accepts insurance
- Intake Phone: (484) 337-5329
- Fax: 484-337-6333
- Main contact: Sasha Golden, RN, BSM (she/her)- Gender Services Nurse Navigator
- Email: GoldenS@mlhs.org
- Dr. Jude Opoku – Accepts Insurance, Multiple Surgeries
- The Philadelphia Center For Transgender Surgery
- Tel: 610-667-1888
- Surgeries offered: facial surgery, chest augmentation, chest reduction, mastectomy, vaginoplasty, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty
- Trained in plastic surgery with Dr. Sherman Leis.
- Ages 16+; They have done bottom surgeries under 18
- Dr. K. Ashley Brandt- Accepts some insurances, Transgender Medicine and Multiple Surgeries
- *Note: if you have PA Medicaid, you will need to get a referral from your PCP to see Dr. Brandt.
- Ages: 14+
- Services: chest masculinizing surgery, breast augmentation, phalloplasty, vaginoplasty.
- Gender Medical Care Locations: At the Reading Hospital under the Women’s Health Division. Is working towards having specific gender care office in the hospital.
- Email: Ashley.Brandt@towerhealth.org to get set up with an appointment for a consultation
- Dr. Laura M Douglass, MD; Dr. Alireza Hamidan– Accepts Insurance most insurances, including Community Health Partners, Medicaid and Medicare (Does NOT accept Aetna Better Health). Offers Gender Affirming top surgeries, Facial feminization surgery, vaginoplasty, vulvoplasty, orchiectomy, hysterectomy, metoidioplasty, multi-stage phalloplasty.
- Age 18+ Only
- Gender-Affirming Surgery Coordinator Dexter Rose: 215-707-8427
- Dr. Jared J. Liebman, MD – Accepts Insurance, including Community Health Partners, Medicaid and Medicare. Offers top surgery- chest minimizing and chest augmenting procedures.
- Rachel Bluebond-Langner- Plastic Surgery- Accepts Insurance, Offers Multiple Surgeries (Waitlist is often over 12 months for a consultation)
- Dr. Samina Wahab– Accepts Insurance, Offers top surgery- chest minimizing and chest augmenting procedures.
- Allentown, PA 18103
- Phone: 610.770.7676
- Fax: 610-770-1412
- Kristie@drwahhab.com
- Dr. Beverly Fischer- Does Not Accept Insurance, Offers Multiple Surgeries
- 12205-12207 Tullamore Rd.
- Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093
- Phone: (410) 308-4700
- Fax: 410-308-4704
- Dr. Christine McGinn – Does Not Accept Insurance, Offers Multiple Surgeries
- Tel: 215-693-1199
- Fax: 215-693-1197
- Trans Lifeline is a nonprofit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis
- Local Specialists in hair removal, voice therapy, and surgery
- Name Change Assistance
- Overview of the name change process with Lisa DiBernardo, Esq.
- Check our Discord Server for more information about free name change assistance for trans individuals in the Lancaster Community
- TransEquityPA offers help with name change support
Resources for Parents of LGBTQ+ Children
- Being supported at home, in school and in the community is especially important for LGBTQ+ youth. From creating an inclusive learning environment for students — whether a student is in the process of transitioning, or she has two moms — to understanding the challenges and resiliency of LGBTQ+ youth, HRC provides a wealth of resources for support.
- Gender-Diverse & Transgender Children
- A Guide for Understanding, Supporting, and Affirming LGBTQI2-S Children, Youth, and Families
- Books for Parents of LGBTQ+ Kids
- Lancaster Friends School is a local school committed to being fully affirming for all
- Study confirming lower rates of suicidality and depression for trans youth when they have access to HRT
Community Resources
General
- If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please contact Lancaster Crisis Intervention: 717-394-2631
- For resources associated with healthcare, food stamps (SNAP), etc.
Insurance
- Pennie: Owen Pudliner Owen@BradburySullivanCenter.org
- CAP Lancaster
Food
- SNAP Benefits (formerly known as Food Stamps)
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can use SNAP to increase their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to make food purchases. If you’re experiencing an emergency, SNAP applications can be expedited to five days.
- Experiencing a food emergency and need food right away? Help is available. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ website at www.dhs.pa.gov, or by calling the Department of Human Services’ Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930.
- People who live in Philadelphia should call the Philadelphia Customer Service Center at 215-560-7226.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps Pennsylvanians buy food. People in eligible low-income households can use SNAP to increase their food purchasing power at grocery stores and supermarkets. Those who are eligible receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to make food purchases. If you’re experiencing an emergency, SNAP applications can be expedited to five days.
- 2-1-1 United Way of Pennsylvania Food Assistance
- The United Way offers a variety of resources via 2-1-1. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zip code to #898-211 to talk with a resource specialist, or visit www.uwp.org/211gethelp/ to browse resources in your community.
PA Food Banks and Pantries
- There are several food pantries across the commonwealth. Please contact your area food bank to find assistance in your community.
- Westmoreland County Food Bank
- 100 Devonshire Drive, Delmont, PA 15626
- 724-468-8660
- Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
- 1 North Linden Street, Duquesne, PA 15110
- 412-460-3663
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania
- 1507 Grimm Drive, Erie, PA 16501
- 814-459-3663
- Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
- 3908 Corey Road, Harrisburg, PA 17109
- 717-564-1700
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley and NE Pennsylvania
- 6969 Silver Crest Road, Nazareth, PA 18064
- 610-434-0875
- Philabundance
- 3616 South Galloway Street, Philadelphia, PA 19148
- 215-339-0900
- H & J Weinberg NE PA Regional Food Bank
- 185 Research Drive, Pittston, PA 18640
- 570-908-2222
- Helping Harvest
- 117 Morgan Drive, Reading, PA 19608
- 610-926-5802
- Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County
- 109 South Sharpsville Avenue, Suite A, Sharon, PA 16146
- 724-981-0353
- Westmoreland County Food Bank
Meals for Senior Citizens
- ElderShare & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP)
- Low-income, eligible seniors can receive a box of nutritious food monthly from local distribution sites through the ElderShare & Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). For information about meal programs in your area, please contact your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). To find your AAA, please visit www.aging.pa.gov
- Meals on Wheels
- Several nonprofits and community organizations across Pennsylvania are affiliated with Meals on Wheels, which offers meals to home-bound older persons. For more information contact your local Meals on Wheels provider or AAA.
Free Breakfast
- Monday-Friday: Anchorage Breakfast (29 E. Walnut St.) is offering a carry-out breakfast between 8:30 – 9:45 a.m. Optional lunch sandwiches available.
- Saturday: Breakfast 9-10:30am. Lancaster Moravian Church, 227 N. Queen St.
- Sunday: Breakfast 8 to 8:45 a.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke St.
Free Lunch
- Monday-Saturday: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Spanish American Civic Association, 545 Pershing Ave. (Bagged meal includes lunch and dinner.)
- Monday-Friday: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 929 N. Duke St.
- Sunday: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. City Gate, 218 N. Duke St.
- Arch Street Center (629 N. Market St.) is offering carry-out meals to their members daily around noon.
- In a press release, the Crispus Attucks Community Center announced that they are providing free grab and go lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11am-12pm. Photo ID required.
Free Supper
- Monday-Saturday: 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Spanish American Civic Association, 545 Pershing Ave. (Bagged meal includes lunch and dinner.)
- Monday-Friday: Rebel Cause Lancaster offers a free community meal 6-7pm @ St. Mary’s and bagged lunches for over the weekend, no questions asked.
- Please use the entrance on the right side parking area that is accessible from the driveway in front of the building.
- If you can’t make it to St. Mary’s at 6, message their FB page to set up and alternate pickup time/location.
- Monday: 5:30 to 6 p.m. East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, 432 E. Chestnut St.
- Tuesday: 5 to 6:30 p.m. Lancaster Moravian Church, 227 N. Queen St.
- Wednesday: 5:30 to 6 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St.
- Thursday: 5:30 p.m. Redeemer Lutheran Church, 500 Pearl St.
- Friday: 5:30 p.m. St Mary’s Catholic Church, 119 S. Prince St.
- Sunday: 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church, 517 N. Queen St.
Clothing
Housing
- For rental assistance please review the HUD guidelines: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html
- For affordable housing assistance, rental, mortgage, and utilities assistance please contact Tenfold
- Assistance for folks living with HIV – Comprehensive Care
HEART (Homelessness Emergency Assistance & Response Team)
- HEART works with persons experiencing homelessness on the streets to help them access safe and inclusive housing, and mitigate their vulnerability to COVID-19 by providing PPE, hand sanitizer and resources. HEART also offers a warm-handoff service to housing and medical services to provide emotional support for program participants. To further ensure resource providers are capable of providing culturally competent services, we provide cultural competency training to community stakeholders and potential partners around serving the LGBTQ+ population.
- At this time, we are unable to offer emergency crisis shelter. Applicants must have some form of income and have the ability to manage their general needs and safety. If you are in need of immediate shelter call crisis intervention at (717) 394-2631 or 211.
- HEART application for housing: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfru3FNTv5f4_C1BKOmWUtmMjmZbXLSHtxCbCBMVDR6o8oMoQ/viewform?usp=sf_link
Employment
- Looking for work? Register on PA CareerLink at www.PACareerLink.pa.gov, and use the job search function to explore new occupations. There are several other resources on the site like links to trainings, job counselors, and more.
- Career Development
- Steps LGBTQ+ Workers Can Take if They’re Experiencing Discrimination in the Workplace