Fwd: Local Need

Hopefully you saw the excellent news article by 9 & 10 news last night about the plight of many people in our area facing utility shut off.  With the funding cycle changes for the Department of Human Service and FiveCAP, and the financial struggles of the Salvation Army, HELP has been called upon to "fill the gap" in assisting those in or near shut off.  In September, and October to date, HELP has provided $6769 in utility assistance.  HELP has on the books another $5,793 in requests.  This has taxed HELP's budget, and funds have been shuffled from November and December to provide as much assistance as possible in this current crisis.

Eleven families currently have their utilities shut off, and three others have shut-off notices.  More request arrive at HELP daily.  On 1 November  DHS and FiveCAP will again be able to assist people with utilities, either with all of a family's bill or in part.  Meanwhile, they have no heat or electricity, or both.  Some of the homes have children.  Some have medical needs, such as an oxygen machine.

I would like the area churches to prayerfully consider an "emergency" benevolent gift to HELP for assistance immediately, so that families don't have to continue to endure the cold for another week before DHS, etc. can assist them.  If your church can pledge an amount, I will disburse it immediately with the promise that the funds will be provided in the near future.

Another option:  If your church is willing to "adopt" a family so you can assist them directly, please contact HELP and we can provide you a name of a family (with their permission of course) in your neighborhood.  

Thank you for any consideration you may give this request, and God bless you as you seek to "be open handed to the poor and needy" in our community.

Gene McClellan, Executive Director

Hands Extended Loving People (HELP)

231 843-6811

help@help-ministry.org