This is a follow-up comment I made to a reader on a previous post. She describes someone who needs financial help and they don’t know where to start.

My reply:

Jessica -

What you will find, as many people do, is that families in financial crisis have to assemble their own network of support and resources based on whatever programs they qualify for. Start by calling 211 or the United Way agency in your community to get phone numbers, information and referrals for basic services.

The key point is: Whoever has the money makes the rules, be it a government program, charitable foundation or business discount. And funding for these programs can be pretty limited in times like now when there are more people seeking services.

That means if you have a tight budget, you need to use multiple resources that may be available to your family keep your cash expenses down.

Those details also greatly depend on where you live because many assistance agencies and programs are based on state or county jurisdictions. Even the grocery sales are different for my sister who lives an hour away from where I live!

If the family you mention lives in southeast Michigan, do check out the links I have on my blogroll. You will find links to legal services, the employment office, food pantry lists, household budgeting programs and such. And the daily posts include a lot of public service announcements and tips intended for families on a budget in southeast Michigan - such as the one you found.

Good luck!

Paula

If you expect to apply for charity or financial aid of any sort, you will want to read my sidebar: Do you need assistance? Tips to read first.