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"Take
Care": How to Help a Friend in Need
an Excerpt
Many Americans will be, and are being, affected by the slowing economy and job
cuts. What can one do if a friend or relative is affected? We can certainly,
in most cases, offer a couch to sleep on, a meal with our family, a shoulder
to cry on. But these efforts, while appreciated, are not a permanent means of
getting help to someone who has lost their job, might be in danger of having
their electricity turned off, or needs help in obtaining food for their family
on a regular basis for a while.
In each state, throughout the United States, there are agencies that are there
to help in just such a situation. There are agencies with the specific mission
of helping those having trouble meeting basic necessities such as food, shelter,
electricity, transportation, childcare and health. This article is divided into
those major needs and the resources available for each one. It is formatted
so that you can tear it out, put it up on your refrigerator, share it with a
friend and, if need be, refer to it yourself. Most of the agencies listed are
government agencies. That means that the programs are your tax dollars at work.
So, those availing themselves of the assistance provided can feel good in that,
they are not only getting help but they are gaining access to help that they
themselves paid for, when they paid their taxes. There are no fees and/or charges
for the services outlined in this article. Services available may vary according
to state and county.
Food
Every living thing needs food and to have to worry about a basic necessity like
that can take the spunk right out of anybody. Try making wise choices about
an unexpected "career change" on coffee fumes and the memory of yesterday's
bagel. Try helping the kids with their homework to the accompaniment of grumbling
stomachs (theirs and yours).
There are three major government programs for families needing food assistance:
WIC (Women, Infants and Children), MAC (Mothers and Children) and...
Authors Note: This 2000 word article covers Food, Shelter, Gas and Electricity,
Health, Childcare, Transportation and Employment. It has addendum sidebars on
free entertainment ideas and a "Quick Reference" column of agencies
and phone numbers.
First North American publication print rights for this article have been sold.
For availability of this article's reprint rights in your distribution area,
and for information about other articles like it, email inkme@annettehyder.com
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