Members are encouraged to provide for themselves before calling on others for help. Those who need additional help turn first to their families. When members and their families have done all they can and still have welfare needs, the Church provides temporary, life-sustaining help so that the family can get back on its feet.
Local leaders determine needs by consulting with the individual or family.
The bishop, who is the leader of the local congregation and who knows his people, asks those who need help to accept a work assignment tailored to their abilities. They may be asked to work in a Church welfare operation, beautify the grounds of the local church, or give service to other needy members. Financing for Church welfare programs comes from an unusual source. The value of the meals missed, or more, is donated for the care of the poor and needy. In addition, volunteers provide a substantial amount of the work on Church welfare farms, in canneries and in other facilities.