Can You Help Me?
Everyday we receive calls from people looking for emergency financial assistance. Low-incomes families in DuPage County make up over 15% of the community according to Census Data provided by the Federal Government. Nationally there is an average of 11-13% of the population that does not earn enough to break the cycle of poverty. Many are surprised to learn that there are 50,000 low-income people living and working in DuPage County. (This according to The Federation – see: http://www.love-cc.org/ )Our volunteers work tirelessly to counsel those who call about community services and file the necessary paperwork that provides assistance through a network of caring churches and community organizations. Each month we receive over 400 calls from people. “Can you help me?” is a common question we receive. Their stories vary however. Some call because they lost their job. Others call because they had their hours reduced and it has placed financial hardships before them. There are others who call because a sickness in the family prevented them from working and there are no paid sick days.
These people are in crisis! Their needs outweigh their ability to meet them. Their worries and anxieties overwhelm their ability to manage. Their hurts and disappointments are apparent! Our Call-In Center volunteers bear the brunt of this. Those in crisis will get express life’s disappointments. Our Call-In Center volunteers also share good news that lifts the spirits of those in crisis. A soft answer does turn away wrath.
The good news we share is financial and community networking that provides a need. But more than just a transaction of referrals and financial assistance is the message we deliver. That message is help in the name of Christ, hope that will carry them through tough times and the knowledge that God does care. Our messengers are the volunteers who talk with those in need and our network of churches that demonstrate a unifying body of believers, meeting the needs of low-income families.
Imagine for just a moment church working together and meeting real needs of people in crisis. One church providing used furniture, another church providing group services that manages resources for a family in need, another church providing clothing and another church providing food. What an exciting picture! LOVE is the bridge that meets real needs of people in crisis and works to network these resources appropriately for people frustrated with life and calling out, “Can you help me?”
posted by Rev. Rick Carder '87 / ' 03 @ 6:42 AM
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