GREENSBURG, Pa., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- To help strengthen housing stability and support vulnerable communities, the FirstEnergy Foundation is investing $115,000 in 14 Pennsylvania organizations that provide critical housing assistance and supportive services to individuals and families facing homelessness, domestic violence and other housing-related challenges.
Among the Pennsylvania recipients is the Blackburn Center, which has served survivors and victims of domestic violence and other crimes in Westmoreland County for nearly 50 years. The $5,000 grant will help support shelter operations, basic necessities and vital programs that provide safety, support and resources for individuals and families during times of crisis.
John Hawkins, President, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania: "The Blackburn Center provides a lifeline for individuals and families facing some of life's most difficult circumstances," said Hawkins. "For nearly 50 years, the organization has delivered safe shelter, compassionate support and critical resources to those in need throughout Westmoreland County. We're proud to support that mission."
In addition to the grant, FirstEnergy Pennsylvania employees at the Greensburg Corporate Center and the Jeannette and Latrobe service centers organized a donation drive to collect many of the shelter's most-needed items.
Renee Reitz, Executive Director, Blackburn Center: "Blackburn Center is incredibly grateful for this generous donation and FirstEnergy's support of our mission. The items will help meet the needs of the individuals and families we serve, while the financial contribution will support our clients and help sustain our emergency shelter program. We sincerely appreciate the generosity and the difference it makes in our community."
In addition to the Blackburn Center, the following Pennsylvania organizations were also awarded grants:
General Shelters
- Opportunity House (Berks County)
- Hope Rescue Mission (Berks County)
- Housing Transitions (Centre County)
- Valley Youth House (Northampton County)
Domestic Violence Shelters
- Safe Berks (Berks County)
- Family Services Inc. (Blair County)
- SafeNet Erie (Erie County)
- AWARE, Inc. (Mercer County)
- Women's Resources of Monroe County, Inc., DBA Safe Monroe (Monroe County)
- Bloom for Women (Northampton County)
- Third Street Alliance for Women and Children (Northampton County)
- A Safe Place (Warren County)
- YWCA York (York County)
Supporting Organizations That Provide Safety and Stability
The Pennsylvania grants are part of FirstEnergy Foundation's expanded Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative, which supports organizations across FirstEnergy's five-state service territory that provide emergency shelter, transitional housing and critical support services for individuals and families facing homelessness, housing insecurity and domestic violence. The Foundation increased funding for the initiative fivefold this year, expanding support from $100,000 to $500,000.
Since 2020, the FirstEnergy Foundation has donated over $1.6 million to help people in need of shelter or a place to call home. Nearly $700,000 of that was directed specifically to organizations that support domestic violence survivors and their families.
About FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation supports 501(c)(3) organizations across FirstEnergy's operational area, helping them build capacity, strengthen outcomes and deliver lasting impact. Giving priorities include housing stability, hunger relief, workforce development and STEM initiatives that reflect community needs and the company's strategic focus. Including the Shelter, Safety and Stability initiative, the Foundation has distributed more than $6.5 million in community support across FirstEnergy's service area to date in 2026.
FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than 6 million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at firstenergycorp.com and on X @FirstEnergyCorp.
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SOURCE FirstEnergy Corp.
