As we work our way through emails to the Hope Chest, there are some interesting suggestions that people are making, not all of which we can act on but many of which you may be interested to know about. Let me offer some of them here.
Please send your ideas in on ways that people can save, barter, exchange, etc. and we’ll post them. Matthew Ward said in late 2011 that we were (and would be by implication) resorting to methods of communal sharing like bartering.
“Instead of dwelling on fearful feelings, many people are being stalwart, innovative and ingenious as they deal with difficult circumstances; they are bartering goods and services, sharing resources and residences, or receiving other types of assistance. The caring of the helpers and the gratitude of the receivers is generating brilliant light.” (Matthew’s Message, Sept. 9, 2011.)
That time may now be here. We’re open to what’s wanted and needed. Send us your ideas through comments, below, or through “Contact Us.”
Get Out of Debt Free.org
People with large debts, like the hospital bill, could use the process found at Get Out of Debt Free.org. That website explains how to use a legal process of common law that extricates you from fraudulent debt of the banksters.
Direct Aid
I have an idea. My family has been helping me with my bills as my savings went away last year, so it will be nice when I can donate. Meanwhile, I have a thought. I know it is extra work, but perhaps people could be linked up to people to help more directly; such as; someone living in a car or truck or cardboard box might be in the same location as someone who has a parked RV and would allow a free tenant; or someone could do trade for assistance like work or home help or something. These kinds of hope don’t require much, if any, actual money, it’s just that the givers and receivers need to live in the same area. I live in Butte County, California, do you have anyone in this area? I don’t know what I could offer, as housing isn’t possible, but maybe something. Just an idea. Love to you all, K
Help with Heating Bills
Part of financial and psychological support for LWs can be helping them to connect w established assistance programs. Sometimes people are so distressed that the legwork is overwhelming.
https://www.helpwithheatingbills.com/
Barter Sites
httpss://www.favorpals.com/favorpals/jsp/basicInfo/ui/en_US/aboutUs.jsp
freecycle.org (not a barter site, no money exchanges allowed, local)– request or give. Includes items such as clothing, appliances (big + small), food, baby items, an occasional car) The trick with freecycle is to sign up to several higher income community sites. The mission of freecycle is to not allow good items go into landfills. I used freecycle in my position as program director of a residential group home to complete some of our basic needs.
craigslist.org — barter section by city
Meetup.com– search barter by city
Timebanks.org — earn credits
Favorpals.com — general barter and healthcare
D adds this comment:
I also sent the link to bartering based on credits (see above). So these 5 or 6 sites can maybe help someone get their furnace repaired, their heating billed covered, and even health/dental care, if someone is one the exchange. Several of the links include international communities as well.
There is little chance that the Hope Chest can meet some long-term needs, or even some short-term ones. There is also the benefit of creating sustainability in our communities AND unity.
Most certainly, many of those writing in are likely so overwhelmed they do not even know how to navigate available services (ie the VERY helpful utility assistance resources). Yet they should be part of the overall solution. Going to the local DHS (department of human services) office, many can receive counseling regarding various real programs that can offer food for infants, etc.