Ways to Help Neighbors Who May be Struggling Financially
by The impact of the economy is easy to see; someone struggling may be in your back yard. Have you thought about ways you can help; ways you can make a positive impact in their lives? This list of ideas my inspire you, or at least getting you thinking and moving in the right direction.
The term neighbor can be broad; the family living next door, across the street, down the road, around the corner, or in the same town. Maybe you know them, or possibly you only know of them. In any case, there are a few things you’ll want to find out before jumping in to lend a hand. After all, help is only really helpful if an actual need is being met. If that is not the case, it is simply a nice deed. And, although admirable, a good deed may not mitigate any true struggle in the end.
If you do not know much about the “neighbors”, find out all you can from others who do. Do they have children and if so, what are their ages and respective genders? Do they own a home? Has one of the family members lost a job? Do they have pets? Are there special health concerns or family needs? Are there elderly family members involved? Connecting the dots on details like these may aid in tailoring support that offers a highly desirable impact; much needed help and relief.
Some ideas and ways to help neighbors in financial need can be categorized in the following ways: monetary (anonymous); non-monetary (anonymous); monetary (identified); non-monetary (identified). Obviously, the more you know someone, the more personal and constant you may choose the support to be. Likewise, the more strapped one is with finances or time, the more of a strain it may pose to give. As the saying goes, however; where there is a will, there is a way.
Non-Monetary (Identified)
· Help organize a series of neighborhood potluck dinners and make sure they are on the list, responsible for bringing something inexpensive (like napkins). Organize a “drawing” for leftovers that evening (and rig the drawing to ensure their name is pulled).
· Contact “the neighbors” by letter or phone and advise them that your high school children (if you have any obviously) are looking to gain community service points through their school or church. In so doing, they are reaching out to a host of area families to offer baby sitting, yard work, in-door work, etc. at no charge.
· Finding ways to help reduce childcare expenses can be significant; offer to host their kids after school a couple days a week. Summer and school vacations are especially challenging for parents who don’t have the funds for camp or many formalized activities. Organizing neighborhood games and gatherings to help entertain kids for free can be an enormous help.
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