Students Giving Back

You are never too young to make a difference in your community. We wanted to share with you how local students are giving back to their local community through Bucks County Housing Group. 

From drives to internships, students can make a big impact, even at a young age.

This summer, Bucks County Housing Group welcomed an intern from the Foundation Community Partnership Summer Youth Corps. Andreas helped us for ten weeks, assisting with Together Tuesday, our staff retreat and a future run fundraiser. One day in the summer, all thirteen interns came to our Doylestown Food Pantry and assisted sorting vegetables, meats and other pantry essentials. You can read more about Andreas’ internship experience here.

Throughout the summer, students came by our main office in Warminster to drop off food, personal care products and backpacks. We created five drives that the community can do year-round, from food to bundle buckets to gift cards over the holidays.

The Central Bucks South Boys Soccer Team saw our Bundle Bucket flyer and had an idea! At every soccer game, they would ask their visitors to bring a personal care item. From dish soap to detergent and from Purell to paper towels, they asked their community to bring anything that will help keep BCHG’s 87 affordable housing units clean. After the season ended, they reached out to us to schedule a drop off date. We weren’t expecting much. They came in with a van full of personal care items, more than 100 in total! The Doylestown Athletic Association youth baseball team did a drive during their games as well! What a great idea!  

As summer break came to a close and the school year was approaching, we made an appeal for new backpacks full of school supplies. We still had supplies left from last year, and girls from the National Charity League came by to aseemble backpacks full of supplies. They assembled more than 50 backpacks for us to start the summer. Saanvi saw our Facebook post and decided to push herself for her Girl Scout Gold Award. She created a flyer, put together an Amazon wishlist, and reached out to community groups to assist her. She had all the supplies from Amazon sent directly to her house, and she took everything over to the Warminster Food Pantry to assemble. She called us on a Friday saying she wanted to come by the week after. We asked her how many backpacks she was able to assemble, and we were floored. She came by the next week with a van, complete with 130 backpacks full of supplies, additional supplies for students in need, and a 130 handwritten notes for each student receiving one of her backpacks.  

As the school year started, a student from Central Bucks East approached us with an idea to start a new club at school. Claire was starting the Feed the Need Club, and wanted to partner with Bucks County Housing Group all school year. Every month, the Feed the Need Club will work on a new project with BCHG. Just before school started, Claire and her friend came by to assist with our back-to-school program. They just had their student activity fair where they pitched the Feed the Need Club to the entire school. At their next meeting, BCHG will speak to the group about the impact they will make throughout the year for the community in their own backyard.

Students can do incredible things if they put their minds to it. By dropping off food, they can give a family comfort knowing that they will be nourished. By dropping off personal care products, they can give a family a sense of a clean home for a week. By assembling a backpack, they can give a student the feeling that they are like all the other students. 

We are amazed at the impact students are making. If you want to make a difference while getting hours for Scouts, National Honor Society or just because your heart is in it, email us at info@bchg.org or fill out a volunteer application here.

Andreas’ first experience with the nonprofit sector was walking through the offices of Bucks County Housing Group on May 28.  After ten weeks, he said his experience was “eye-opening.”

Part of the Foundations Community Partnership Summer Youth Corps, Andreas was one of thirteen interns matched with select nonprofits throughout Bucks County.

Andreas’ schedule consisted of one day at each of our two Food Pantries, and two days in our office in Warminster. He especially enjoyed the time at the food pantries. Giving out the food to those we serve was so fast-paced that he barely realized how quickly time flew by. He also enjoyed lifting heavy boxes of food so he could skip the gym that day. But his favorite memory from his time at our Food Pantries was putting the food in the cars of our neighbors. “Giving people the food was always the best part,” Andreas said.

While at the office in Warminster, he worked on several projects, with one of his biggest milestones being writing a press release for Together Tuesday. The Together Tuesday event, created by the team behind Giving Tuesday, was launched less than a month after Andreas started his internship. During that time, he had to research Together Tuesday, write the press release and look up contacts for area newspapers. “It was the first time a piece I had written was published in the paper,” he said. 

Another milestone was managing the team-building event for BCHG staff. After looking at a handful of venues, he secured Core Creek Park in Bucks County as the best location. He looked up several games for staff to play such as trivia and egg and spoon racing. He also secured a BCHG volunteer, Sam Levin from Caring Transitions of Newtown, to lead the team in a yoga class. When we asked Andreas what he loved about the team-building event, he said, “It was heartwarming to see how much people enjoyed that day.”

Andreas’ biggest passion is running, and he was able to use his passion to plan a future fundraiser for Bucks County Housing Group.

Andreas’s ten weeks wrapped up at the end of July. Through all of his work, he saw every facet of the work Bucks County Housing Group offers. “Although people have different responsibilities and roles,” he said, “they all played an essential part in making BCHG thrive.”

If you are interested in learning about becoming an intern with Bucks County Housing Group, send your resume to info@bchg.org!

Together Tuesday, observed on Tuesday, June 23, celebrated individuals and families doing good deeds for the community.

Founded by the creators of Giving Tuesday, Together Tuesday invited the world to give back with time. Below are the stories of three members of the Bucks County Housing Group community giving back to neighbors in need.

Lorma’s story

If you have ever been to BCHG’s Doylestown Food Pantry on a Wednesday, you definitely would have seen Lorma O’Hanlon, a realtor with Keller-Williams Real Estate. She first heard about BCHG three years ago from her son, who was on our board at the time. She has been volunteering at the Doylestown Food Pantry ever since, helping distribute food. She helps distribute part of the 10,000 lbs of food given out by both our food pantries every week. When we asked her why she keeps coming back, Lorma said, “It warms your heart to help people out in need.”

Mark’s story

Mark first heard about Bucks County Housing Group when him and his wife were searching for charities to volunteer in Bucks County. After finding out about BCHG, Mark started volunteering at our office in Warminster, quickly becoming known for being a helpful guy. At the office, Mark helped manage the reception desk and started an inventory of all of the donations that came to BCHG offices in Warminster. “I find it personally surprising and staggering how much of a need there is in our local community,” he said. Next month, Mark will be transitioning into becoming a driver for BCHG, helping deliver food to our neighbors who cannot visit the Food Pantry.

Mikaela’s story

Both BCHG Food Pantries also have a shelter and a community garden on the property. Our community gardens grow produce, plants and flowers, and they are run mostly by volunteers. Mikaela loves gardening and volunteers weekly to weed and water the plants. She has gone through hard times and doesn’t want others to feel that way. “I can come and do stuff in the garden and other people are also benefiting from it,” she said. The food grown in the garden goes back to the residents of the shelter and the community, creating a cycle of giving and receiving.

On June 23, we asked our volunteers how they are giving back. Join them and become one of our volunteers. You can fill out an application online at https://bchg.org/get-involved/volunteer/

 

Do you want to brainstorm on how you can get involved? Email us at info@bchg.org, and let’s see how we can get you started.

At Bucks County Housing Group, we celebrate new homeowners and the opportunities for individuals to find a way to invest their money in a long-term investment: a house.

June is National Homeowner Month, and we wanted to share Jamie’s story with you.

Two years after graduating from college and paying off her student loans, Jamie was ready for her next big investment. She couldn’t afford a mortgage on the salary she was making at her job, and she looked for resources that could assist her. She heard about counseling through Bucks County Housing Group and the Bucks County First-Time Homebuyer program and attended our free webinar to learn more.

Jamie took budgeting classes and other workshops with Sherry Pace, BCHG’s Housing Counseling Program Manager, to assist her in the process of purchasing her first home. “Knowing the whole process with all the paperwork and signing things,” Jamie said, “(BCHG) went through it with me, and it made things so much easier and so much less stressful than I thought it would have been.”

The program consists of group sessions and individual sessions, and you may qualify for one of several programs. Jamie was eligible for an interest-free loan for closing costs through the Bucks County First Time Homebuyer program, an interest-free loan of $10,000.

Jamie purchased her first house in May 2017. She lived there for 3.5 years before selling it for $20,400 more than she paid for it. The $10,000 loan was paid back, and she was still able to put $10,400 towards a new house. Knowing she had to pay back $10,000 after selling was something she was excited about. “I am helping someone else get their first house that they can make memories in,” she said.

BCHG’s first-time homebuyer program started in 1994, two years after the passing of the Optional Affordable Housing Funds Act 137. Bucks County Housing Group has assisted people for twenty-two years with the first-time home-buying experience. This is one of several classes offered by our Housing Counseling department, which also includes budgeting and credit, renting, homeowning, fair housing and foreclosure prevention. Individual counseling is also offered on all topics.

Jamie’s story with Bucks County Housing Group did not stop in 2017. Nine years after starting as a client of our Housing Counseling department, she became an employee, becoming our Financial Controller. You may see Jamie if you visit our office in Warminster, and you may have met her at our recent Volunteer Appreciation event. She loves telling her story, and she encourages anyone looking to purchase their first home to attend one of our upcoming First-Time Homebuyer workshops.

Bucks County Housing Group offers two First Time Homebuyer Webinars every month at 6 pm. To qualify, you need to live in Bucks County and meet the
income cap. Join us:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Thursday, July 9, 2026

Learn more at https://bchg.org/events/

Michael’s single question thirteen years ago led to more than a decade of community coming together.

In 2013, Michael Mariakis walked into Bucks County Housing Group’s Penndel Food Pantry and asked one simple question:

What are you in need of?

At the time, Bucks County Housing Group’s Food Pantry Manager told Michael we were out of bread. Bread, a staple in so many households, was absent from the shelves of the Penndel Food Pantry that week. Michael wanted to help. He drove over to Redner’s in Levittown, just 1.5 miles from the Penndel Food Pantry, and asked to purchase 100 loaves of bread. Redner’s was unable to sell Michael 100 loaves, for they would be out of supply for their customers. The Store Manager then asked Michael why he needed 100 loaves of bread.

Michael and the Store Manager worked out a plan. The Store Manager would order 100 extra loaves of bread, and Michael would come by to pay for it, pick it up and deliver it to the Penndel Food Pantry each week. Michael’s first bread donation was in 2013. He went back to Redner’s the next Tuesday and brought 100 loaves back to the Penndel Food Pantry.

After 13 years, he continues to do this.
A total of 67,600 loaves…and counting!

Michael started this endeavor alone. Since then, his philanthropy encouraged others to also get involved.

Dennis’ story

Dennis Scheerer started volunteering at BCHG three years ago at the Penndel Food Pantry. He saw Michael bring in loaves of bread and wanted to know what was going on and how to help. They became fast friends and together he helps load ten crates of bread into Michael’s car each week.

Collin and Becky’s story

Collin and Becky Stuart have been volunteers with Bucks County Housing Group for more than a decade as well. They come to the Food Pantry every Tuesday to pack bags, stock shelves, and take in donations. But on a Tuesday in 2020, they realized a stack of crates was piling up. For six years now, in addition to their regular volunteer roles, they return the empty crates from the Penndel Food Pantry and bring them back to Redner’s each week.

BCHG Food Pantries give out, on average, 10,000 lbs of food every week, and as fast as the bread comes in, the bread is distributed to families in need just as quickly.

What started as one man’s question led to a community coming together to help feed those in need.

 

How will you help? Email us at info@bchg.org, and let’s see how we can get you started.

A Time for Community Support

Across Pennsylvania, millions of families are facing an uncertain November.

Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will not issue benefits this month. Nearly two million Pennsylvanians rely on this critical program, including thousands of households in Bucks County.

For families already living close to the edge, the pause in benefits means more than an empty fridge. SNAP allows families to use their limited income for essentials like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and diapers. Without those funds, many must choose between feeding their families or buying basic necessities.

At the same time, local food banks are under immense strain. Philabundance, one of the largest food distribution partners in our region, has lost millions in funding this year. As the shutdown stretches on, food pantries like those run by Bucks County Housing Group (BCHG) are feeling the ripple effects.

BCHG has already seen a sharp increase in pantry visits this week, with many families coming through our doors for the first time. Our mission has always been to end food insecurity in Bucks County. That commitment remains as strong as ever, but we cannot meet this growing need without community support.

Understanding What’s Happening

SNAP provides food-purchasing assistance for low-income households. The program is federally funded and administered through Pennsylvania’s Department of Human Services (DHS). Because of the ongoing shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has halted funding for SNAP, preventing states from issuing benefits in November.

This interruption affects millions across the country. In Pennsylvania alone, DHS has confirmed that no benefits will be released until Congress restores funding. That means nearly two million Pennsylvanians will go without critical food support.

This kind of disruption has a cascading effect. When food benefits stop, families shift their spending toward groceries and away from other essentials. Bills go unpaid, savings disappear, and health declines. The emotional toll can be just as severe as the financial one.

It is important to remember that SNAP is not only a safety net for families. It is also a driver of local economic growth. Studies by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food Research and Action Center show that every dollar of SNAP benefits generates between $1.50 and $1.80 in economic activity, especially during periods of economic instability. When families use their benefits at neighborhood grocery stores and farmers markets, that money supports local jobs, small businesses, and community food systems.

In Bucks County, the impact extends beyond individual households. Every benefit dollar spent helps keep food on shelves, paychecks flowing, and local economies stable. When benefits stop, the entire community feels the loss.

What This Means for Bucks County

BCHG operates community food pantries in Doylestown and Penndel that serve residents throughout Bucks County. In the past week, we have already seen an immediate rise in visitors seeking help. Based on statewide trends, we anticipate this increase to continue. Our shelves are turning over faster than we can restock them, and the need for personal care items has grown dramatically.

These challenges come at a time when our regional supply network is already stretched thin. Recent funding losses have reduced the flow of food to local pantries, leaving organizations like BCHG to bridge the gap with limited resources.

We remain steadfast in our mission to end hunger and homelessness in Bucks County, but we cannot meet this moment alone. We need the collective strength of our community to ensure that every neighbor has access to food and dignity.

What to Do If You Are Affected

If your household relies on SNAP, there are steps you can take right now.

You are not alone. Our team is here to help you navigate this challenging time and find stability.

How You Can Help

This crisis is not just a policy issue. It is a community moment that calls on all of us to act.

  • Donate to BCHG. Every dollar helps us purchase food and essential supplies for families in need.
  • Host a food drive with your coworkers, congregation, or community group.
  • Volunteer at one of our pantries to sort donations, prepare bags, or distribute food to our neighbors.
  • Share this information. Someone you know may be struggling quietly and not know where to turn.
  • Advocate for change. Contact your elected officials and urge them to protect SNAP and hunger-relief funding.

Every action matters. Together, we can make sure that no one in Bucks County has to face hunger alone.

Standing Strong Together

BCHG has always believed in the power of community. When one neighbor struggles, others step forward. That belief has guided our work for nearly five decades and continues to shape how we respond today.

This is a difficult moment for many, but it is also an opportunity for compassion. Our team, volunteers, and supporters are already mobilizing to meet this challenge head-on. With your help, we can continue to provide food, support, and hope to every household that needs it.

Written by

Nick Madson