Emergeny Financial Assistance
Hands


The Good Samaritan program is a county-wide program that offers financial assistance to those in need of emergency assistance with utility bills, rent, and other miscellaneous needs.  We also dispense the funds for the Lions Club’s eyeglass program, and we assist the Ministerial Association to disburse FEMA funds.  This funding is totally dependent on community support.  In addition, we provide a supplemental pantry for those who receive food stamps.  Most food banks do not allow food stamp recipients to participate, and more often than not the benefits run out before the end of the month.  Our pantry contains non-perishable food items, hygiene and cleaning products, and baby diapers, wipes, formula, etc.  Our pantry, like our finances, is totally dependent on the community.  We are the recipient of food drives from many different organizations, and we are able to help many families fill their stomachs and take care of daily needs.  Not only do we accept food, diapers, etc., but we also accept gift cards or money…and will then shop for items that are in low supply.

 

Last year we assisted more than 2,700 families from the food pantry.  We gave over $83,400 of financial assistance to 904 families.  The need has been greater this year due to the current economic status.  Those of us who can must help those who can’t.  The blessing is that this year many people we have helped in the past are repaying so we can help others

 

The Family Center maintains our Community Resource Connection, a database for those who have used our program.  When the customer has been helped financially three times, we require attendance to our free budgeting class.  Local churches are invited to call us to check the status of an individual, just as the churches are invited to keep us abreast of whom they have helped.  In this way, we are better able to track any who might be abusing the system.  Our hope is to help people through difficult situations so they in turn can help others.  

Below are some helpful links to some of the local utilities that you may contact if you would like to provide assistance to those in need:

Columbia Power and Water Systems
Duck River Electric
Atmos Energy
Mount Pleasant Power Systems

Our Good Samaritan office is open Tuesday-Friday from 8:30-11:30 to the public.