The Phone Just Kept Ringing

Monday was the first working day of the new month — happy May, everyone!

Around here, a new month means a new allotment of emergency financial assistance funds to help people avoid evictions, stave off a utility disconnection or to help a household gather the needed security deposit to get into a new rental home. 

We budget just over $10,000 per month in assistance and it is startling how fast it goes.  Dozens of households call or come into our office and email referrals pour in from the information/referral line operated by Fairfax County (703-222-0880).  When we are doing intakes, it seems like everyone knows we have funds and comes here.  And once we are out of funds, the rush quickly subsides and the phone and foot traffic dwindles quickly.  Word of mouth is definitely the most effective advertising. 

Over the past 10 years at Good Shepherd Housing, I’ve learned that while the need for short-term financial assistance has steadily built, our ability to increase the amount raised for this service hasn’t kept pace. Something ultimately has to give in this equation that continues to skew in the wrong direction. 

I’m proud to help dozens of households every month, but truly perplexed by what happens to those that request our assistance after our allotted funds are spent.  It can’t be easy, and I wonder how they get along.  It’s truly a mystery. 

If you have thoughts or ideas to share, let me know.