First Call for Help offers ways to weather financial crunch
By MaryAnn Kromer, mkromer@advertiser-tribune.comArticle Photos
Recently, Sue Hampshire, director of First Call for Help, spoke to a group of women at a local church about strategies to prepare for money woes that might develop.
Some of the women were unaware of all the resources available in the community.
Hampshire drew up a list of do's and don'ts to guide people in easing financial difficulties before they reach a crisis point.
"Planning for a financial disaster is probably about as important as planning for a natural disaster," Hampshire said. "Your success and survival is much better if you've done some advanced planning and preparation."
People who have never been unemployed in the past are finding themselves at a loss about where to turn, Hampshire said. Some have assumed they would never need assistance and are embarrassed about having to request help for themselves and their family members.
"I tell people they have paid into this system, and now it's their turn to draw on it," Hampshire said. "When somebody is going to disconnect a utility or repossess the car, then they start worrying about it. By then, it may be too late."
The following suggestions may ease the strain of a tight budget.
n Write down a total of all of regular monthly expenses to be aware of the amount of money needed for necessities.
n Eliminate luxury items, such as stops at the coffee shop or high-test gasoline. Put an end to "bad habits" that cost money.
n Those who still have income should try to build a reserve of cash.
n Open the mail to look at what is owed now and what can wait a bit longer.
n Talk to creditors to see about renegotiating a mortgage or drawing up a new payment plan.
n Save all receipts and compare them to the statements. Report an unauthorized charges as soon as possible.
n Look for sales and discounts on products and services, such as coupons and rebates. Consider shopping at thrift shops, rummage sales and garage sales.
n If unemployment becomes a reality, take advantage of all the information and services your employer provides, such as applications for unemployment, COBRA information, re-training or referrals to other employers.
n Take advantage of government programs, such as Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Apply for food stamps at the Department of Job and Family Services. For questions about unemployment benefits, call (877) 644-6562.
n Prioritize expenditures. Although one might tend to stock up on food, paying the electric bill or the rent is a wiser choice.
"In our community, it's easier to find help with utility bills and food than it is for rent or mortgage payments," Hampshire said.
n Check with community agencies that offer a variety of services, such as St. Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, FISH food pantry, the Sharing Kitchen, Commission on Aging or W.S.O.S. Churches often have funds designated for assistance or a storage room for clothing, household items and nonperishable food.
n Contact First Call for Help if holiday assistance is needed for food and/or gifts. First Call can refer people to appropriate agencies.
n Rather than sitting at home doing nothing, the unemployed could use the time to look for another job or to volunteer for a school, church or nonprofit agency in the community. Helping the needy can provide personal satisfaction and distract a person from self-pity.
"If you don't know where to volunteer, call us and we can give some suggestions," Hampshire said. "By volunteering, you can learn new skills that maybe can be applied to another job. It may be a networking opportunity that could lead to other employment. It also keeps you in the routine of working. Besides that, it's fulfilling, and that makes you feel better about yourself."
First Call for Help and the United Way have moved to new offices at 201 S. Washington St. The regular hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
"They can call us at (419) 448-4357 with specific needs and we'll direct them to the appropriate places," Hampshire said.
