We are “on mission” when we reach across the street to make God’s love so real to those experiencing a crisis that it radically gives hope in a difficult situation. Thank you to those who continue to contribute to our ongoing partnership with Crisis Assistance Ministry. We’ve give over $1000 EACH MONTH to assist with utilities and rent.
If you would like to add your support to this vital ministry, simply designate your donation to PUMC (by check or online) the fund “Crisis Assistance Ministry.” To give online, click HERE.
Crisis Assistance Ministry Impact Story of the Month
Sometimes, it’s the little things that end up having the biggest consequences.
For Eileen, it all started with a summer cold - just the typical sneezing and runny nose we’ve all suffered through at some point. No big deal. Until it started spreading, one by one, through her children: first the 7-year-old, then the 4-year-old, and finally the baby.
As each child came down with “the yuckies,” day care sent them home with instructions not to return until they had been symptom-free for 24 hours. All told, Eileen missed six-anda-half days of work. With no paid time off, that meant losing more than an entire paycheck.
With an already tight budget stretched even tighter by back-to-school expenses, it wasn’t long before Eileen realized something had to give. Several late nights spent poring over the calendar and calculator apps on her phone led her to the least-bad option: Rent, electricity, and food for the rest of the month were covered, so it came down to a choice between the water bill and gas for the car.
Having already missed so much time from work, the choice was clear - but not easy. Eileen filled the tank with gas and crossed her fingers, hoping their water service would escape disconnection for just one more month.
Unfortunately, the water department had other plans. An early-morning text alerted Eileen that she had 24 hours to pay her past-due bill or face disconnection. When she called the number provided, she learned that help might be available through Crisis Assistance Ministry. Following the instructions on the agency's website, Eileen submitted an application for assistance and anxiously awaited the outcome.
When the phone call came, Eileen answered with a shaky voice. But she soon relaxed as the caseworker gently guided her through a conversation about the immediate crisis, what had caused it, and the path forward.
By the end of the call, Eileen felt giddy with relief. Her past-due balance would be paid by a donation from an area church (Providence UMC), her water would stay on, and her family could remain safely in their home—with fresh water still flowing from the tap.
Have questions about our partnership with Crisis Assistance Ministry?
Contact the Rev. Brandon Dirks, Minister of Missions & Strategic Initiatives, HERE.