What do I ask when someone needing assistance calls or stop by? – First, be familiar with your churches policy. Here is a check list that can help:
- Where do you live? (Are they in your area/need to be referred closer to their community)
- Are you currently working or have prospective employment? (How will they pay next month?)
- Do you attend church somewhere? (Invite them to services)
- Have you contacted your church? Why didn’t they help? (Too embarrassed to ask; helped previously and can’t help again (red flag?). If they haven’t asked, they should, to give the church opportunity for outreach)
- Contacted other organizations and did they help? (Click here for a list of local organizations)
- Need Food? Suggest local food pantry – (the cost of food can offset the funds they need to pay bill)
- Ask for copy of bill, past due or eviction notice. (explain no cash will be given, payment to vendor only)
- ID (Get a copy or at least check it)
- Keep records of people you help. (Helpful to know who is taking advantage)
- Create an application to fill out explaining need, contact information, vendor info, etc. If they can’t come in person, fill it out over the phone or email it. ( May not have gas to come to you)
What would you add to this list? Contact me with your suggestions. If you’re like me, you want to help everyone and hate to see someone suffering, but we have to be good stewards of our time and resources. Let’s help each other!
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