CLEARFIELD, Pa. — Clearfield County Redevelopment Executive Director Lisa Kovalick presented the fiscal year 2026–2027 Human Services Plan during Tuesday’s commissioners meeting, warning that reduced state funding continues to challenge community programs.
The comprehensive plan was developed in coordination with Community Connections, the Clearfield-Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission, and the Clearfield County League on Social Services. Kovalick noted that overall state allocation for human services remains significantly lower than previous years, making it difficult to meet community needs.
“Some of the funding is down from last year, and overall we are not seeing the levels of state funding we received years ago,” Kovalick explained to the board.
The proposed allocations across major service categories include:
- Mental Health Services: $3.5 million (reflecting a slight decrease from last year)
- Intellectual Disabilities Programs: $2.1 million
- Substance Use Disorder Services: $276,787
- Rental Assistance: $56,400 allocated to assist residents facing eviction or foreclosure
- Human Services Development Fund: $26,900
- Community Connections: $21,100
For emergency housing support, the plan designates $8,000 for the Good Samaritan Men’s Shelter in Clearfield—the county’s sole shelter facility.
To address growing housing instability, Kovalick announced that the Redevelopment Authority will introduce a new pilot program focused on specialized case management for individuals needing housing support. The Drug and Alcohol Commission will also receive $25,000 to expand its case management services.
Addressing the shortfall in the Human Services Development Fund, Kovalick noted she has previously sought federal grant opportunities to bridge the gap and will continue exploring outside funding sources for the upcoming fiscal year.
