Churches Help Nonexistant?

Updated on January 27, 2012
R.D. asks from Barnegat, NJ
37 answers

I am not writing this to offend anyone I am a catholic born and raised but lately trying to get help is impossible.I do not have a car and this has been a difficult last two months.I had already walkked to local food pantry so started emailing churches for help with food even just basic necessaties have been trying for three weeks even asked for a gift card to help with milk and bread and stuff I explained to them our money situation and not having a car and none would help all turned me away except for one who sent out a card for milk.This makes me lose my faith in the churches now adays that I always thought were there to help in your time of need.

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So What Happened?

I received many suggestions which I appreciate My children have been looking for jobs even the mcdonalld by us are not hiring I applied for food assistance can not get the cash I can not get to churches without a car to go in person it just makes me sad to feel like noone will help us.

More Answers

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M.P.

answers from St. Louis on

I went thru your questions that you had posted in the past to try to figure out what the ages are of your kids. Last year you posted something saying they range in age from 11-20 and that your kid's spouse and grandkids live with you as well? There has got to be someone in the house that qualifies for food stamps. It looks like this has been an ongoing issue (financial) for over a year now. It isn't fair to blame the church for not being able to help. I know my church that I have attended for about 30 years now is so strapped financially that they are not able to help their own members.
It looks as though by your postings from the past that many have helped you out in your time of need with rent, utilities, food, gifts for children. At some point you have to accept some responsibilty for your situation. Are you supporting your adult children still? If so, why? If they are old enough to get married and have children, certainly they are old enough to support themselves. I am not trying to come across as mean. I work for a non-profit company and have made a career out of helping those in need. My point is, at some point you have to help yourself as well. You can't spend your life expecting others to provide all your needs.
Get your GED, find work, make your adult children grow up and be responsible adults. The only person that can change your life and make things better is YOU! You have to want your life to be different/better and make the steps towards making that happen. It will be hard, life always is....but in the long run it will be SO worth it. Prayers for you and yours for CHANGE to take place.

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B.A.

answers from Chicago on

If it's like our church, they hardly make mortgage every month and went having a part time pastor and get so many requests for help every month that they have to limit and even turn some away. If you can't even afford milk then it is time to pull together whatever you need and get to the state aid office and get food stamps and assistance. I don't know your whole situation but it is time to get creative and figure out what to do to ean some dollars everything from in home daycare to completing online surveys for even a few dollars. My husband was unemployed for 2 years and this was annouced right after I had just completed months of bedrest for our 1st child and then she came along, even with my return to work we couldn't do anything it seemed about our money situation. We then did everything we could including snow shoveling, baby sitting, house sitting, dog walking, watching a lady with alzheimers, poop pickup from yards. All stuff that we didn't need a sitter to accomplish we just brought her in tow. I won't say we are above water yet but I know I did all within my power to change things. Keep searching for what you need it is bound to be out there and you never know what other oppotunity may come from that search.

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B..

answers from Dallas on

Churches have no help in time of need, either!! Recently my church had to move our pastor from a paid position to a volunteer position!! The offerings are what paid him, and people don't have any money to offer.

There are people who show up at the doors of churches every day asking for food. Theyf ill out paper work, have proof that they have no home, money, car. Or, they are just there. Who do you think will get the food? Someone showing up at their doorstep hungry, or someone at home emailing with a computer and internet? They have NO way of knowing you aren't just some person scamming. The priority will ALWAYS be people who are there. Are they supposed to send a gift card in the mail to you, when someone is at their door hungry? Think about it. (I am not saying any of that to be harsh, it's just the reality of the situation.)

Walk to their doors, if you are that hungry. Stop your internet and use that money for food. If you have cable, cut that. Apply for assistance. Show up at food banks. (Do you have no Friends who will give you a ride? Public transportation?) And don't assume they don't want to help. They are struggling, too.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

I agree with those who remind you that churches are hurting, too. We had to pare down our past support for adopting families for Christmas and we cannot support the same level of mission giving as we once did, which is hard because we support places like orphanages and women's shelters. We no longer have an associate pastor. It is a tough time for all. They may have stricter criteria than in the past because there is less to go around. It's not necessarily that they don't care. They have to be careful. Some churches are merging as congregations can no longer support individual buildings and in many rural areas, it is not uncommon for a pastor to serve multiple churches. My finances have changed and I can't give as much and I'm sure that others are in the same boat. Churches that are building may have various reasons like they already broke ground years ago, or they are paying rent on property that they want to unload or whatever. Unless I'm privy to a church's finances, I'm not pointing fingers.

I agree that if you are emailing, you could try calling instead - be more personal. They may also have a policy to only meet needs of people they know or see in person. There are a lot of factors at play here.

I also agree with those that suggested that you get your paperwork together and apply for ongoing aid for which you qualify. It's not forever. It's just for now, to put food on the table. Enroll your kids in free/reduced lunch. That sort of thing. I was a free/reduced lunch kid. See what else is out there.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Do all of your older children still live with you? If so, they should be working and paying to help out with rent, utilities and groceries. Anyone 16 and older is able to work.

Are you an actual member of a church? If so, do you attend regularly and are you active there? Especially now, since so many over the past few years have found themselves in horrible financial situations, churches can't just usually give aid to non-members and anyone who asks. Sometimes a volunteer group from a church will work with a program like Meals on Wheels or certain shelters, but churches usually don't take solicitations off the street because of scam artists. It's sad, but so many people also run scams that if churches just gave money and gift cards to whoever asked, they would be broke in a month!

It also takes people giving money to the church to keep them going. In these financial times, charitable giving -including tithing to churches -has dropped tremendously. I'm sorry you're having a hard time, but you should probably look to some of the state programs in place for aid -food stamps, housing assistance, etc. Good luck!

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S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

what if the churches don't have the resources to help everyone in time of need?
khairete
S.

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Please do not harbor anger at the Church. The economy is terrible right now, and churches/dioceses everywhere are terribly strapped and as a result many parishes, church communities, and dioceses are unable to provide social services in the same way to those in need as they once did.

In fact, I just saw a news story yesterday that said over 1-thousand Catholic schools nationwide will be closed this year alone. That's staggering, especially considering schools, besides donations, are a major financial source for many parishes.

I think your experience is more a sign of the times...pointing to the fact that no one and no organization is exempt from hardship these days. The Salvation Army, United Way, Red Cross, and even more local social services and charities are way down in donations simply because people do not have the income to donate like they used to.

I am truly sorry for your struggles. Keep searching for help, and hopefully you will soon find what you need. Do not stop praying, but keep your faith and trust that things will work out.

While the Catholic church isn't the only social service support experiencing shortages, there are thankfully, still many other sources where you may find help. Stay strong and hopeful, and do not make the assumption that the Church (any faith organization) is purposefully denying you assistance on purpose or to make a statement. In the very near future, we may all have to learn to make sacrifices so that we can all have just the basics. Only time will tell what is going to happen in regard to economics in the coming months. Perhaps you are wealthier than you think. Your prayers that a solution to these looming hard times might be more beneficial than throwing in the towel assuming the world has lost it's heart.

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

R.:

By looking at your older posts, this is not just been a rough two months, but maybe 4 or 6. Have you looked into getting state assistance?

The food banks here in VA give you food if you show up. There is no financial check - if you show up - they assume you are in need and give you food. Find out your bus schedule and instead of waiting for a ride - take the bus.

ONE place helped you. You were not turned away by everyone. I know that's not what you want to hear - but someone did help you.

Don't lose faith, R.. There are many people who have become brittle because of the amount of people that have taken advantage of a situation...if you researched stories on here - you would see that one W. who works at a church helped a family one year when they claimed their car had broken down...the following year or six months later...it was the same story, same person.

So go to them. Let them SEE you. Find the food banks near you. Take the bus there. If you go to church - go to your church and talk to the Priest. I know at our church, he has a discretionary fund to help people with.

Apply for state assistance. Go to the library and find financial help books by Dave Ramsey or Suze Orman - I recommended them to one of my employees at Kindercare years ago (keep in mind she was making $9.50 an hour) and got control of her finances instead of her finances controlling her.

I KNOW it's tough out there. People WILL help you. Apply for grants for schooling so you can get a better job. And get back on your feet.

DO NOT LOSE FAITH! It will happen.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

R., I am not sure how it works in the town you live in but most catholic churches have or are affiliated with a st. vincent depaul society that can help you. They will not just randomly send out money or gift cards. they will how ever take down the info and send someone to your home for a home visit. they will determine what is needed. then offer what they can. Just because they are a church who's mission is to feed the hungry clothe the naked and house the homeless doesn't mean they have gift cards / money sitting around waiting for someone to call. They usually have a protocol which has to be followed. You need to do more than write and email you need to call and speak to an actual person. There are other offices to call also. does your town have a welfare office? it sounds like you would qualify for benefits if you don't have enough for food. I would start there. Call your local catholic church here is a link for the parish in your area which has a food pantry. call them.

http://stmary.shoresurfer.com/Bulletin/Bulletincurrent.htm

as for those who are angry about larger churches. most of those larger churches were built when the need was there for larger churches. do you think they will have more money to give away if they were to chop off the top part of the church? those with bowling alleys movie theaters etc are there because they have or had very active youth groups. and wow bet those parishes / churches have a whole lot less gang activity in them when they have somewhere for the young to gather.

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C.Z.

answers from Omaha on

R....please don't take offense to my question to you...but I am curious as to when the last time you dropped to your knees in church? Do you belong to a local parish? Have you talked to your pastor/priest?

You can't expect for God to answer your needs when he doesn't know you. Having a personal relationship with Him is all He wants from you. Get down on your knees, crack open your bible, ask him into your life everyday. Mustard seed.

@Jennifer S...if you are referring to me, I couldn't agree more! I don't believe that you have to be in church to be saved. What I do believe is this...stay in the word (study your bible), stay in worship (praise Him for your blessings), be in fellowship with other Christians (bible study with other believers), and have prayerful conversations with your Savior! I truly think it is the only way to live!

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M.C.

answers from Dallas on

When you're emailing churches, they have no way to know if you're really in need or running a scam. I suspect it's the medium that's breaking down the communication.

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L.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I know the question is about churches, but R., have you applied for SNAP (the federal government's "food stamp" program)? Since you can get to a computer, go to this web site for the state of New Jersey:
http://www.state.nj.us/humanservices/dfd/programs/foodsta...

(Mamapedia cut off this address --the last two words are "foodstamps/apply/" with the backslashes)

This site will help you start applying for food stamps if you're eligible. Yes, churches should help you but whether they do or not, please reach out for the other help that's out there. If you do not qualify for food stamps yet, go back to the food pantry and ask them about other food pantries and other options, since it seems your family's food needs are greater than the pantry can fulfill. Also, find your nearest state Social Services department and go there; tell them your situation. You may be eligible for other forms of aid. Don't just wait for churches to help or for the food pantry to say that enough time has passed for you to return and get your next allotment of food from them. Take the effort you're putting into contacting churches, many of which are hurting and don't have funds even for extra help for those in need, and put that effort into getting whatever aid you may be eligible for from New Jersey and the federal government.

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X.O.

answers from Chicago on

http://www.catholiccharitiestrenton.org/cc3/

St. Vincent de Paul Society
PO Box 5147
Trenton, NJ 08638-0147
Phone: ###-###-####
Director: Patricia Brooks
E-mail: ____@____.com

Other places I found in your area:
Barnegat Emergency Food Pantry, P.O. Box 816, Barnegat, NJ 08005, or call ###-###-#### during the pantry's regular hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday

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M.B.

answers from Austin on

I'm friends with the secretary of a church in Las Vegas.... and she tells me it is so hard to tell which people are telling the truth, and which people are out to just get some free money/stuff. The different churches keep in contact with each other, and many times get asked by the same people over and over again with scam stories.... and please don't misunderstand me.. I'm not saying you are trying to scam the church.

Our church has a system set up within the community where each church takes turns helping those in need..... if it isn't their turn, they tell them which church to turn to. However, if you actually go in and talk to the pastor, you have a better chance of getting assistance. Pastors frequently have a discretionary fund that they have the power to distribute. They also may know which programs within the community that can help you.

And... frankly, the economic times has hit churches, also..... it really does take a lot of money to run these churches.... staff, buildings, programs, things like that. People are giving less to the churches, so they in turn have to reduce where their assistance goes.

Also, check out Freecycle..... it is amazing what people give away sometimes, even food..... (Freecycle is a Yahoo group... go to Yahoo, and search the groups for a Freecycle group near you.)

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K.F.

answers from New York on

I love all of the suggestions your have gotten so far. I would suggest you not just look at the Catholic church but expand your church help search to include other Christian churches like Baptist, United Methodist, etc. You will more than likely need to go to these places but call first to discover what they have to offer if anything. Catholic Charities may be a better source for the help you need over the Catholic church directly.

Pay no mind to the comment about internet access. You could very well be at the library for all we know.

Know this much. TROUBLE DOESN'T LAST ALWAYS. Hang in there.

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A.C.

answers from Savannah on

First, I wanted to address a couple answers you got: what is wrong with building programs and missionaries? If they are building just to build, or needlessly, or for vanity, then whatever. But to seat all the people that want to come? To have nice programs to keep kids off the streets and busy? I attended a Bible study in TX for a church that had 2 "satellite" buildings AND a movie theater that let them sit in a room, all 3 of those to watch the preacher on "TV" until a building where they could actually fit in the service could be built, PLUS the 3 services on Sunday that were actually full. It is NOT wrong that they built a huge building; it was to seat people that saw something in the church that they weren't getting elsewhere, where they felt connected and wanted to be partner with, where they were getting their own needs ministered to. They had some great programs to help so many in the local community. So don't judge a church for having a multimillion dollar building (I worked construction, even a little Olive Garden costs over a million dollars) if the seats are filled and people are being ministered to. As for missionaries and helping people overseas ALSO: that's an important thing. I will never forget the local lady that was telling us about these orphans they'd found who had AIDS (born to parents with AIDS), starving, and their plight. I asked where the children were and she called them, and they LITERALLY came out of the dirt. They'd been around watching us but we couldn't see them. They hid for their lives from a government that kills homeless children because there's too many of them, and their situation was much more dire than a lost car or foreclosed home. It's not bad to help missionaries who are helping prevent deaths from totally preventable diseases, teaching them how to farm, helping with water treatment, and saving lives physically as well as helping spiritually.
At local levels: Yes! There are A LOT of people hurting right now. So many people are losing cars, even houses, so in this time of extremely great need and fear, sometimes churches are simply tapped. Where does the money that churches have come from? People. If those people are hurting financially, they either aren't giving like they used to, or giving less than they used to. So many churches have less money. At the same time, more hurting people than ever are looking to tap into less supply than ever. I understand your frustration, fear, and concern. But contrary to an answer you received previously, I didn't see anyone saying you have to go to church to be a "good Christian" or where being a "good Christian" was even brought up. But they can get a random email from a random person forever, but if a church is limited in funds right now, then they may be more focused on giving to those people they see and that are part of their congregation, because their congregation is hurting too.
But that brings us to losing faith. You're losing faith in what? Losing faith in GOD because of what PEOPLE can or cannot do? Or losing faith in people, when it belongs in God to begin with?
I agree with Barb 100% here. Get your paperwork together, call your local aid offices (medicaid, wic, foodstamps, whatever you need/qualify for and go that route). I would suggest changing my focus and attitude and getting back to basics. Pray for help, and also for ideas on what to do, and opportunities to open up. Barb gave ideas on things you may not think of that can bring in some money.
When I was faced with some pretty bad financial issues years ago (was homeless at one point, but was in the process of changing my life), I meditated on scriptures like Phillippians 4:19, Matthew 6:25-34, Galations 6:7 and, in context with Galations 6:7, I believed that in the lesson of sowing and reaping. Sowing 1 watermelon produces a vine with how many melons growing? And how many seeds in those melons? To plant how many more vines? To grow how many more melons, and how many more seeds? If I had no money, I sowed in service, in time, in whatever I did have.
One time, after changing my meditation, after changing the words that I spoke, after changing my attitude, I gave a watch in an offering because I had NO money at all. I wrote on the envelope "seed for school tuition". Before the offering was finished being picked up, a lady I'd never met before told me she needed to talk to me, and I said after the service. She said "I know this sounds weird but my family's been praying and we want to pay your tuition. Where are you going?" She sent money to the school for my first year's tuition.
Another time, we had NOTHING AT ALL in our refrigerator except a brita of water and some ketchup packets from McDonalds. I asked my roommate what we had for lunch before I went to work, and she said nothing. I was like "what?" and looked---oh. Nothing. But instead of freaking out or getting upset I said "Come here and sit down". We sat knee to knee, face to face, and I told her EVERY good thing I could think that God had done for me, every testimony I could think of, every thing that led me to that day. I said "Ok, your turn". She did the same. Then I said "Ok. God did not bring us out of those things, He did not do these great things, He did not bring us here away from our family and friends, just to have us starve and fail here before we get going good." (We'd just started school, I'd just started a job but hadn't been paid but once, she hadn't found a job yet). She agreed. Then I said "Ok, then let's thank Him". We prayed and thanked God for everything He'd done in the past, everything He was doing now even if we didn't really know what was going on "behind the scenes" yet, and everything He was doing in the future to keep us secure. After giving thanks, I got up and went to work, and sang praise songs outloud to keep me from thinking the negative thoughts that were just waiting to psych me out. I got to work and my boss gave me a coupon for a free hamburger, saying someone was passing them out to everyone and he saved one for me too. Cool. I smiled, knowing I wouldn't miss dinner, and silently thanked God for it.
After work, I went to Jack in the Box for my free burger and got into a perfectly innocent, seemingly random conversation with a stranger: is it always this cold here? why where are you from? oh how'd you get here? really? what kind of school is that? and it just went from there to me telling my testimony of how I got there and where I came from a little bit. The lady cried, hugged and kissed me, asked if I was an angel (no) and if I was, would I tell her (I answered that they aren't supposed to lie, so yeah I guess I would). She wrote me a check there on the spot (as we were both being handed our burgers) for $50. I ran it into the apartment saying we had money to go buy food now (lots of ramen can be bought with $50) but my roommate said NO NO FOOD! I was like "what?" She and another friend of ours didn't have jobs yet, but wanted to be active so they volunteered their time and went to the church to volunteer and work there. There was a big banquet for city officials or something (like an appreciation thing for police officers or something?) and a ton of food leftover. The pastor said to let the volunteers have what hadn't been served, so we had tons of veal parmigiana, chicken fettucini, spaghetti and meatballs, vegetables, desserts, all kinds of stuff! We called our friends and fed them, we packed food up to let them bring food home with them, froze some, still had plenty in our fridge. Then back at school, I got called into the office at school. The dean's wife was like "I'm not really sure what this is about, it doesn't make sense, something about angels and hamburgers....whatever. A lady came in asking about you, do you attend school, how are your grades, and stuff, and here is the money she gave me for you". I was very excited and asked her to just put it in my school account towards an upcoming missions trip. A little at a time, every month, the lady at Jack in the Box ended up paying for my trip to Israel, my 2nd year tuition, and part of a trip to Kenya!
Things like that happened often, more than I can say, but one more: volunteering at a church event outdoors one time, I was stacking chairs minding my own business and a couple walked up and said my name. I didn't know them, but they said I met them at that first event before my first year's tuition was paid for. We shared a table, had some chocolate pie, and they said I was very excited and saying "I will go to that school!" and I said "Well, I'm a student there now" and they were pleased. They asked permission to give me $50 a month because they were excited to see my enthusiasm and servant's heart. These things happened all the time. I had my own apartment, my own car, was going to school, was going on mission trip every year, and having the time of my life. (However, I was working very very hard but didn't know it----it was so fun and exciting to me, volunteering and assisting every way I could). I was very surprised years later to see from a social security statement that came in the mail that I only made $11k a year.....but I guess so. I was just part time at the mall on my "paid jobs". And the opposite was true too: when I was doing my own thing and left the church because I was offended at something for a little while, I was making $2k/week and working ridiculous hours in the chemical plants, I had a much nicer car, but seriously that's about all. I was in debt instead of ahead. Very strange how that worked. I got back on track, made a lot less money, but God provided for me. My job wasn't my source, the church wasn't my source, my skills weren't even my source. GOD was my source. When I remembered that and gave him that honor, I am now in position to be a blessing, instead of looking for a blessing. There's nothing wrong with needing help. But there's a voyage you take as you grow up where you start needing people's help, and if you are faithful and stay with God and grow, you can not only need other's help so much but end up BEING the help for others next.
I know this is long. I'm not preaching "at" you as much as hoping it may encourage you. Change your meditations, ask God to help you understand and read the Bible with an open heart to see what He wants you to know, give thanks in all things, get your eyes on Him instead of other people, seek out opportunities to work, earn money, even volunteer and see how things will start changing.

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L._.

answers from San Diego on

I think the problem is that so many churches are more interested in their own building programs, sending missionaries around the world, and jaded by all the requests that they get, they are neglecting to help on a local level. BUT, I also think they save a lot of the money they use for people that are active members of their own church.

I am with you. I try and give my money...ur...GOD's money, to places I KNOW are really helping people.

I'm sorry R.. I don't live near you and don't know what your resources are.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

I'm Catholic too and I'm going to be honest here.

The Church has NO money. Take where I live for example, Queens, NY. Catholic schools are shutting down left and right due to lack of funds. These parishes have no money for themselves.

Best bet if you need help is to ask individuals on the parish board for help. They have more resources than a simple soup kitchen.

Good luck!

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M.T.

answers from New York on

R., I am sorry that you are having a difficult time. Churches cannot be there for those in need unless they are getting donations. Money does not just appear, churches are not a for-profit business. They are not hoarding money and don't have a magic money tree. Donations from their own parishoners are likely down because many people are having hard times financially, and a church's first priority in terms of who to help will be its own congregation. Churches do not typically give cash or gift cards. If you are in such dire need, please contact your local county office to find out what, if any, public aid you might be qualified to receive. Good luck.

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M.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

R., do you have to live in Barnegat? It must be terribly expensive. I know a woman who rents a 3 bedroom, 2 bath in East Vineland for 1100. per month. That is a lot, but not compared to others, especially since East Vineland is a better area. I have to wonder what your rent must be. NJ is rediculously expensive to live in. Also, don't give up, just show up as others have suggested. There are a ton of Catholic churches in South Jersey. Hit every one of them. Catholic Charities will help with utilities if you qualifiy, and they have other stuff too. I have received help from them in the past. They are very loving. I know there is one in Vineland on 8th st. Hang in there and take it one day at a time.
Blessings,
M.

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M.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

I'm sorry this is your experience. I think it may have to do with the culture of each state. I live in a relatively "liberal" state and churches here do help out with gift cards for groceries and gas. Are you already receiving state assistance? If not, perhaps it is time to seek help via that route. (and I do understand that even with assistance it can be hard to make ends meet).

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K..

answers from Phoenix on

Unfortunately, a higher than normal amount of people are in the same situation you are. Couple that with scammers & liars, and I'm sure everybody's scaled back on being charitable. The resources don't just appear out of thin air, they cost money & can run out.

If you are as down & out as you say you are, you should qualify for your state's food & health benefits, and possibly cash & rent assistance.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

To be honest R., many churches are being bombarded by people in the community asking for assistance. Most have made it a rule nowadays that they only help active members they know so they will be sure who is getting the help and they are using the supplies appropriately.

So many people are dishonest and are going from one to the next to the next, week after week after week. They have depleted the stores the churches used to have.

Getting assistance through the state may be an option, food stamps are extremely helpful. The income in Oklahoma for a family of 4, earned income, is a little over $2000 per month. If a family of 4 make less than that they would probably qualify for food stamps. If it is unearned income the income is less than that by about 18-20%.

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E.G.

answers from Buffalo on

Well, as a secretary at a church who has had to turn many people in your situation away, I have to say that I'm sure the churches want to help you, but they probably just don't have the resources. That's our situation. In this horrible economy, EVERYONE, even churches are suffering. People have less money to put into the offering plate, which is where the churches get all their money to pay all of their bills (gas, electric, etc). If they're taking in less money, they still have the same amount of bills to pay, which leaves them with less to help others. And their first priority is always going to be members of their congregation, then if there's anything left, they can help other members of the community. I know it seems like churches are supposed to always be there to help the needy, but when the church itself is one of the needy, it's hard for them to help. It breaks my heart every time I have to turn someone away, and there have even been times when I've given out of my own pocket. Good luck with your situation.

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S.M.

answers from Lansing on

My church is quite large and has an open food pantry once a week, I also know of them helping with everyhting from cars, to gas cards, to bus tickets. I am sure the Deacons fund gets tapped often. I would say that maybe the chuches you are contacting are just broke, or there is a list. I know here, there is a couple of websited like united way and chrisitan services and even a 211 # you can call for help. Keep your head up, I will pray for you and you WILL come out on the other side!!

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J.L.

answers from Chicago on

Sounds odd as not only does my church have several outreach programs...no you don't have to be a memeber but my friends who attend other churches have similiar programs. I sure hope someone in your area can point you in the right direction. I am so sorry this is a hard time for you.

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A.F.

answers from Fargo on

Our church helps with a variety of needs, but we never give gift cards. We work in conjunction with the local food shelf.
Also, we would never give money to someone who e-mails the church office for help without ever knowing who the person was. I agree with the person who said that you need to go to the churches in person.

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M.L.

answers from Houston on

Our church helps tons of people, even non-members, however a lot of people suck us dry and never learn to get by on our own, then we are left with no resources to help others. It's hard for a church to tell who *really* needs the help and who is taking advantage of the resources we do give, especially via email. They are usually more able to know with people who actually invest their time with the congregation. I would advise you not to just ask churches, but go to your local govt and apply for food stamps/snaps.

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S.A.

answers from Chicago on

Are you a member of a parish? My Church still provides plenty of assistance to parish members in need. Outside of that, we do food drives several times a year and a giving tree at Christmas for our sister parish which is in the inner-city. I agree with the others who suggest it's time for aid. Good luck!

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A.C.

answers from Columbus on

If you're Catholic, try googling "catholic social services" and your area, and you'll get the contacts to start asking for help through the church.

I agree that you are more likely to get help if you call or go in person (which I know is really hard without a car).

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C.M.

answers from New York on

Have you tried the Salvation Army? They are VERY helpful in our neck of the woods. And perhaps an actual visit to the churches in your area would work better than emails. I remember stopping in to a Catholic Church in the Florida Keys once when I was destitute and the priest gave me $10 right then and there.

Good luck! (P.S. Prayer may help, too. ;)
"Grams"
from the Pocono Mts. of PA

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J.M.

answers from New York on

The churches in my area have done alot to help those in nedd, but they can only help if they have the need supplies. Have you tried to get assistance through the state? They have a program called WIC along with the food stamps program. Try calling the local Catholic Charities in your county. Good Luck!

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E.M.

answers from Kansas City on

not sure if I just missed it in your question, but have you tried churches of other denominations? or a non denominational christian church? our baptist church does not have a food pantry they do collect for local ones though and do a backpack ministry for the local elementary schools so kids who are disadvantaged can have at least something to eat over the weekends etc. There is an Episcopal church nearby that has a small food pantry that you can get a few canned goods at on wednesdays, there is a methodist church that has tons and tons of food, diapers, toiletries etc and they help everyday. I am so sorry you are having a hard time finding help.

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B.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

No Help when you need it? Thank or blame the lawyers and the legislators. It used to be that grocery stores would give out of date food to churches or charity groups so they could give it to those in need.

Then greedy low lifes figured they would claim that that food made them sick, just because it was "out of date" and the scum-bag lawyers saw an opportunity for illgotten gains from bad lawsuits filed by horrible, greedy people. Then stupid and ignorant judges and juries let the scum-bag lawyers win and make thousands and millions of dollars off these horrible lawsuits. This caused the grocery stores to send all their out of date food to the land fill. That caused the landfills to become full sooner and taxes to be raised so more landfills could be built. So honest people lost the opportunity to have good food from charities because the grocery stores and food wholesalers wouldn't open themselves up to lawsuits because they were generous with out of date food.

Then the legislators got wind of it from the grocery stores and passed laws making it illegal for the stores to give food that was out of date away thereby protecting the grocery stores from lieing con artists and their lawyers.

I have seen people taking food from grocery store dumpsters. I have stopped to see what they are doing. What a waste of resources!!!!

If the largest cruise company in the world had a convention of lawyers and legislatures on a cruise ship and the ship lost all the passengers because the ship sank in a hurricane. What would you call it? The perfect storm!

Good luck to you and yours.

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C.D.

answers from New York on

have you tried city funded agency Our church supplies local food pantry thats about all they can do also reduce tuttion if in there school how about apply for food stamps maybe ask a neigbor to drive you to food pantry

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C.S.

answers from New York on

Look-up "Angel Food Ministries" Some of the churches in my area participate, maybe you'll be lucky enough to have some in your area. You can purchase a large amount of food for a small amount of money. Each month the selection is different. You dont have to be a member of the church to buy from the program.

Edit: The program is no longer. Sorry. :(

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N.P.

answers from New York on

Churches are strapped for money just like many other agencies. They probably don't have the means to help you. Have you tried other resources in your community or applied for food stamps or WIC?

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