Assistance Programs

• Inquire at church and synagogues about whether they have a benevolence program or offer assistance to those in need. Typically, all churches have some sort of program, and often you do not even need to be a member to ask for help. They offer assistance to develop goodwill in the community and out of kindness. Usually the money does not have to be paid back.
  
  Call the chamber of commerce or the mayor's office in your town. Many cities offer financial assistance to members of the community. They collect the funds through charitable donations from businesses in the town or through the citizens. Do not be too proud to ask for assistance, people enjoy helping one another, and know that if not for the grace of God they could be in your shoes.
  
  Seek help through state, local or federal government programs such as hud.gov. If your mortgage is too high for you to be able to meet the cost each month, your bank should be able to help you with refinancing or by deferring payments. The mortgage lender does not want you to lose your home through foreclosure.
  
  Investigate getting food, childcare or medical assistance through the Department of Human Services in your community. Often helping with these areas will free up other money that can go toward bills.
  
  Call your utility company; they have programs that will provide you with a means of paying high utility bills, either by decreasing the monthly bill to a set payment each month, or by providing monetary assistance in times of financial emergencies.
  
  Contact the Red Cross or United Way organizations. They not only help people in situations where a natural disaster has occurred, they have funds to help people with emergency needs at any time.
  
  Call every company you owe, they will listen to your situation and may defer payments until you can get back on your feet, or help you not incur further bills you cannot pay by waiving the late fees.
  
  Call local soup kitchens, food banks or shelters for the homeless. They exist not only for people who have lost their homes; they usually have funds available to help others not to become homeless.