Assistance available for utility shut-offs

Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission has lifted the moratorium on utility shut-offs. The moratorium was imposed in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northampton County’s Department of Community and Economic Development and the Department of Human Services offer assistance for residents struggling with utility payments. Tenant Navigators can handle calls about electric, sewer, water, natural gas bills, etc. They also provide the CARES Rent Relief program as well as rental assistance.

Contact information: Residents in Bethlehem, Bethlehem Township, Hellertown or Lower Saucon Township contact New Bethany Ministries at 610-691-5602, ext. 213.

Easton residents contact either: The Easton Area Neighborhood Center at 610-253-4253 or email Ross Marcus at rmarcus@eastonanc.org or ProJeCt of Easton at 610-258-1100 or email Michael Banas at mbanas@ projecteaston.org.

For all other municipalities, contact Third Street Alliance at 610-438-1763 or email Ziana Keith at zkeith@thirdstreetalliance.org.

Residential households hit hardest by the economic downturn — customers with incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty income guidelines — are protected from termination until March 31, 2021. These “protected customers” must apply for all available assistance programs and must request a payment arrangement from the utility, if appropriate.

Make a foldable poker table Make a round, foldable poker table at Northampton Community College’s Fab Lab, Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Dec. 1-15. Participants will learn to use the CNC machine to custom cut the tabletop. Add finishing touches, such as vinyl and felt armrests.

The fee is $159. To register, go to www.northampton.edu/ fablab. For information, call 610-332-8665.