Emergency Services
Most financial advisers will tell you that it’s a good idea to have at least 3 months worth of normal operating expenses set aside as a fall back or nest egg should you encounter a crisis. It would be interesting to know how many of us actually do that. A lot of people live from pay cheque to pay cheque, and many are only one pay cheque away from being homeless!
Souls Harbour Rescue Mission defines emergency services as food, shelter, and clothing. We refer to these emergency services as our “core”, and for the most part, they are the foundation upon which our programs are built.
Hope begins with a meal! We’ve discovered that it’s very difficult to talk to someone about their addiction, their inability to hold a job, or help them to find a job, without first making the hunger pangs go away. It’s only then that you can talk about other things.
What would you do if you suddenly lost your home? Where would you go? Would your family take you in? For many of the people we serve, the answer to such a question would be “I don’t know” or “No”. No matter what the circumstances, in the end, we all need a safe place to stay, even if only for a night or two.
Thanks to all the donors who give us bags of good clothing and stacks of warm blankets!, because sometimes, when it comes to survival, clothing doesn’t rank that high on a list of priorities. It’s cheaper to just wear what you have, or even go without a winter jacket. And how do you look good for an interview if you’ve got nothing nice to wear?
Food, a safe place to stay, and clothing! These are our basic human needs, and it seems that as our economy changes and the cost of living continues to rise, more and more people find themselves in need of emergency help.
