Reach Out

The first thing you can do is to reach out.  It's also one of the hardest, especially if you have been turned away before.  A great place to start is reaching out to the churches in your area, and I don't just mean one that you are affiliated with, although that is the best one to start with.

 Many area churches have programs set up to help out whether it be financially, with food, giftcards, bill relief, or with supplies you may need, medical or otherwise.  One church I reached out to has a program set up to help families in need to buy school supplies for children.  Another has a program for giftcards if you need clothes, medical supplies, etc.

The thing to know is that you won't know until you ask.  If you've already been down this road, say 6 months ago, call and check again.  A lot can happen in 6 months, and while going through something, I know 6 months can feel like 10 years and 2 days at the same time, the world does keep going on around you.  That may sound harsh, but I know I feel as though the world should stop sometimes because we're going through disaster.  But a lot of progress in churches can happen in that period of time, and programs could have been put in place that didn't exist before, and possibly because you asked.  But a church is just like any other organization, and it has to take ideas up before boards, get them approved, differentiate a separate bank account for the new need, and then set the guidelines for how those funds will be used.  It takes time, but it never hurts to call back.  Following up is one of the most important things you can do when you are seeking aid.  These programs, churches and non-profits alike, deal with a ton of different cases each day, and, though it may seem wrong, won't always call you back, even with good news.  It's up to you.

I keep three notebooks, one of places I've called, who I talked to and notes.  One of the places who have helped or offered help and notes on what took place, the times I called and who I talked to.  And one of the resources I have found and have not yet contacted.  It gives me the information I need, and then you can go a step further and flag them when it's time to call them back.  A lot of times a weekly call can even produce results.  Getting yourself and your story in people's minds will bring you to the forefront of their mind if an opportunity comes up that would benefit you, that they might neglect to remember you if they haven't been in steady contact with you.

Grab a phone book.  Check in the yellow pages and start calling.  The worst they can say is no.  Churches will usually point you in a direction of someone to call though.  Be prepared, believer or not, if you receive help to receive a sermon with it.  Churches are not just worried about your financial, physical or emotional health, they are also concerned with your spiritual.  And believing in something bigger than yourself at times of hardship is not a bad thing.

A lot of churches will say, "What we can do will only be a drop in the bucket." especially if your need is large, for example medical expenses.  I like to remind them that with enough drops, even a bucket can be filled.  Take note of 1 John 17-18  If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need, but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?  Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.