Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Lori Pace
We want to introduce you to the many churches, religious groups, and faith-based organizations to help you with utility bills during this difficult time. (When we say difficult time, we mean Covid, politics, recessions, and all that.)
While many organizations can offer you and your family assistance, we’ve researched some key groups that can help in this area. These organizations, churches, and religious groups are conveniently categorized under the faith to which they belong.
Most of these organizations can offer financial help to cover your utility bills and assist with other basic needs. Read on to see which groups you can reach out to.
How Can Churches Help With Utility Bills?
Churches, religious groups, and faith-based organizations can help with more than just water expenses, lights, food, gas, and garbage disposal. So, if you need assistance with other things, like clothing, food, rent, medical assistance, or other aid, you may be in luck!
Remember, the information below is not exhaustive. There may be many other local churches, non-profit organizations, charities, or religious groups in your area that can help pay your bills.
How Do I Know If I Qualify For Churches Help With Utility Bills?
Supporting organizations may have their criteria to qualify for financial aid or other support. You may have to consult with the relevant organization to learn more about their standards.
Some groups may require that you are already a member of the faith community. For example, a Jewish organization may require that you belong to the Jewish faith.
Make sure to have identified documents on hand to prove you are who you say you are, e.g., ID or passport.
Other groups may require you to prove your financial status, ensuring that you have documents on hand that can provide this information, e.g., a payslip or bank statement.
You may also be asked to disclose any other financial support that your household may be receiving as income, e.g., alimony or child support.
Churches Help With Utility Bills
Christian/Catholic Faiths
Love INC
Love INC National is a collective of churches partnering with social service organizations committed to offering support for people in need. They serve in more than 120 locations across the nation. Love INC provides support in several areas.
Check out their interactive map on their webpage to find a location near you to find out what they can offer.
Lutheran Services in America
This network of organizations boasts over 300 sub-divisions and offers additional support in health care, disability services, immigration, refugee support, housing, and so much more.
Lutheran Services in America serves people across the social divide and offers to any age group, race, or religion.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army provides help in areas of emergency support, health care, and more. This widely-known group offers support globally, reaching 132 countries worldwide. Visit their website to find a branch near you.
Catholic Charities USA
Catholic Charities USA offers support to any individuals or families in need, irrespective of religion. Support is provided in areas of housing, food, healthcare, and more!
Jewish Faith
Jewish Federation of North America
This organization serves the well-being of the Jewish community across North America. They work with more than 140 individual federations and networks with hundreds of other communities.
Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis
The Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis (JFCS) offers support to individuals from all walks of life. Not only do they provide financial support, but they offer support in areas of food security, counseling, and specialized support for every generation.
You can visit their website to see if you qualify.
Yad Chessed
Yad Chessed offers financial support for people in the greater Boston area and surrounds. They offer emergency financial support, interest-free loans, food vouchers, and food during critical Jewish holidays, like Rosh Hashanah and Passover.
You can find out more about the organization on its website.
Muslim Faith
Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.)
This organization provides financial aid for North American Shia Muslims regarding payment for utility bills, food, clothing, and medical expenses. They can cover other costs in certain circumstances, e.g., rent or transportation.
Contact the organization via their website to determine if you qualify.
Islamic Center of Morrisville
The Center offers support for individuals of any background in the Research Triangle Park area in North Carolina. They also provide services in community engagement, including sporting or educational opportunities for children and networking opportunities for adults.
Check out the application form to find out if you qualify on their webpage.
Other Ways To Lower Your Expenses
While it is great to get help to cover some of your expenses, it may also be helpful to tweak some of your spending to better fit within your budget.
- When using heating or air-conditioning, keep doors and windows closed to keep the temperature-regulated air in. You’ll feel the difference quickly!
- When you leave a room, turn the lights off.
- Mind your water consumption: take short showers or run shallow baths. You can reduce the amount of water used for each toilet flush by putting a brick in the cistern.
- Invest in energy- and water-conscious products, e.g., light bulbs and grey and red water systems.
- Purchasing second-hand will save you cash and a more sustainable option, helping the environment as you save.
- Carpooling with your colleagues to the office or arranging a lift club with other parents at your kids’ school can lower your costs spent on gas.
- Invest in low-cost entertainment options. Reduce your cable subscription to lower your costs, or explore new, low-cost hobbies to keep you and your family entertained.
- Try reducing how frequently you eat out or order in. This is an excellent opportunity to get your family on to a wholesome, nutritious diet while you grow your cooking skills and save some money in the process.
To conclude, many organizations are happy to help families in need of financial aid.
While this article only highlighted a handful, there are plenty more available. Contact your local church or religious group to find out the assistance they may provide.
