There are lots of resources out there to help you in your time of need. They make life easier to conquer until you can get back on your feet. I have personally been in these bad situations in the past, and I overcame. The important part here is for you to understand that it is only a temporary problem. With motivation and determination, you can be on your feet and running fast. Here’s how…

Food:

There are a few resources where you can get food when you are hungry. I have been to many of these resources in my life. One of them is public aid.

1.) Public aid will provide you with food stamps or a link card every month. If you are in the desperate situation described in the previous section, then chances are that you qualify for link card, or food stamps. Go to your local public aid and simply apply. You can be approved in a week or sooner. It may take a month or so though, so don’t hesitate to get started with the application process.

2.) Rescue mission. These are usually homeless shelters and churches that provide food, clothing, and shelter to those in need. They provide daily meals and access to free, or extremely cheap clothing. Some of them even have a large stock of household items for sale pretty cheap.

3.) FISH is a place that is local to my area. They are an organization specifically setup to provide boxes and bags of food to people who need it. They mostly help families, but I believe they also help individuals. You may have a similar organization in your town. You can find out by going to a local community services center, or ask around at your local churches. Look for food pantries. That is what they are known as.

4.) Church is an excellent resource. If you belong to a church, they may help you more than you think. Churches like to help their members that are in need when they see that the member is trying hard to get back on their feet.

5.) WIC is a program for mothers. It provides food coupons for mothers to buy milk or formula, eggs, and juice. They only provide assistance until the child reaches a certain age. So get this assistance when the kids are still young. It is an ongoing monthly assistance program.

Utilities:

I have had quite a few instances when my utilities got turned off. I remember when my water was turned off and it was rather hard with a family because we had to flush the toilet with gallons of water that we filled at friend’s houses. We also had to shower or bathe at friend’s houses. What finally got me out of that situation was my local church. They helped us out even though I avoided church service. My wife went to them for help because she loved going to church, but I was in another world at the time.

1.) Churches are a great resource. My local church has helped us out with so much. It is unbelievable how much help they have provided us. It helps to show true appreciation and start taking service seriously. A church has burned me in my past that ruined it for every other religious person on the planet with me for years. I criticized Christians by calling them hypocrites, and then suddenly I started paying attention to a church called Bethel Baptist. They really turned things around for me in the spiritual regard. My point here is that if I can get over some past issues, then you can too if this resource is an issue for you. You may be surprised what you learn about yourself.

2.) LIHEAP is a program that gets grants from the federal government. The problem is that they do not always have the funds, so make sure you stay on top of them. They will help with various utilities, and sometimes rent to avoid eviction.

3.) Sell something you don’t need. Do you really need that PlayStation 3 if you don’t have any electricity to play it? Probably not. You can always buy a new one later when you have gotten back on your feet. Sell that thing on Craigslist, or take it to your local pawnshop. Sell anything around your house that is valuable. Put in on eBay or something.

4.) Friends and family have helped me in the past. Just try and avoid going back to them over and over or you will burn your bridges.

All you have to do to find help is look for it. Crack open your phone book and get the callin’. Go to your church and see what info they have in regards to information about assistance in the community. Chances are that you will find some assistance to help you get back on your feet in no time.