How to Find Emergency Financial Help

Even small communities have some kind of assistance for low income families. Everyone knows about your typical government assistance programs (food stamps, medicaid, etc...) but did you know there are also other agencies that can give you emergency assistance with things like your medical care, prescriptions, gas senior in home care, transportation, utilities, rent, food, pregnancy tests, clothing, baby care items, safe shelter, legal advocacy, and much more.

Sometimes using the Internet to find local help can be difficult. Local resources don't always advertise their assistance programs to the community. One way to find help is to look in the phonebook. Call a few local churches. Ask them if they can help you. If they don't provide the services you need, ask if they can tell you who does. Try calling churches that have a big ad in the phonebook. This most likely means they are a big church. Some churches have a food pantry and will allow one visit per month.

When you do get in contact with the program you're looking for, ask what times they are open, do you need an appointment? How often can they provide you with assistance? What do you need to bring with you to your appointment? Some places will ask for a valid ID, proof of residence, proof of income, if you need a bill or prescription paid, take that with you.

The holidays can be a very hard time for a low income household. Getting holiday assistance can be difficult if you don't know where to turn. Try calling the Salvation Army, Local Churches, Christian Radio Stations. Sometimes they have gifting programs for children or holiday meals.