In November of 1997, I was instrumental in bringing representatives of local churches and agencies serving low-income individuals and families to the table to talk about improving the way that people with short term emergency needs were able to access resources to meet those needs. It was demoralizing for those dealing with an emergency and invited abuse from those looking for easy money. The churches were not in a position to assess the need and most of them were not fully aware of other resources beyond the financial aid they might provide. Agencies had little pockets of emergency money but there was no coordination. At the table we found a common vision and worked to create what is now called the Helpfund, which responds in a coordinated way to requests for emergency financial assistance.
Funds come from a community action agency, churches, private foundations and businesses.
A committee meets once a week to review requests. More urgent requests can be voted on by phone by a minimum of three committee members. The goal is to make the process of seeking aid clear, simple and dignified for the client, the process of granting aid orderly and the use of available funds efficient. I would be happy to answer any questions you have about our community's Helpfund. All rights reserved.