Emergency Relief Fund Continues to See Increasing Number of Callers

The Emergency Relief Fund program of GVCS provides information, referrals and financial assistance to local residents who are experiencing emergency hardships in covering expenses for their basic human needs. The Fund provides assistance for utilities (electric, water, sewer), medical needs, rent, homelessness prevention (motel) and other necessary expenses. Through an intake interview with one of the two volunteers, callers’ needs and eligibility are determined. They are first directed to the appropriate, larger agencies in Frederick and then asked to call back once they have “pledges” from the other agencies. The Emergency Relief Fund can then help “close the gap” in getting their specific financial need covered. Assistance monies are sent directly to the vendor, landlord, physician, etc. after the amount and payment history are confirmed with the vendor.

The two volunteers work closely with the Religious Coalition, Salvation Army, church groups and other emergency assistance providing agencies to coordinate services and confirm pledges. The volunteers also provide some budgeting and financial suggestions in order to help callers assess their situation objectively, think through their options, evaluate their expenditures and choices, and to help them move toward being better able to manage their resources.

“It is very difficult to ‘get out of the hole’ once you’re in it. We don’t know what we would have done without your suggestions and financial help”, a client shared. Our goal is empowerment as opposed to enabling. Though our few hundred dollars of assistance for a family often seems like a drop in the bucket compared to their need, it is very often the key to bridging the gap between what the larger agencies can help pay and what is owed, so in this respect, we are filling a significant need that would otherwise leave many neighbors losing their housing, electric or water.

A Few Statistics from the Emergency Relief Fund’s 3rd Quarter Report

Families who Received Assistance comprised of 19 adults and 15 children.

Thank you to the two volunteers who spend so many hours each week helping those with financial emergencies.