The Emergency Assistance program's primary purpose is to provide direct and immediate support and relief to individuals and families in both chronic and temporary crisis. This program assists clients in crisis by providing them with an array of social services that includes the following:

• Three to five day supply of emergency food
• Homeless prevention services-limited financial assistance for those who are behind on their rent or mortgage or who have an over due utility bill
• Limited financial assistance to those who have no prescription coverage
• Basic medical assessment by a registered nurse
• Access to additional medical services for those without health coverage
• Basic staples such as diapers, formula, baby food, personal grooming and cleaning items and new clothing.
• Ongoing support to clients who return to our service

If you or someone you know needs Emergency Assistance, please contact us .

Success of the Program

During the past year, the Emergency Assistance program provided an average of 650 heads of household each month with emergency food and a variety of other services. Demand for this service continues to increase at about 12% a year and we continue to receive more referrals for our services from other social service agencies. During the summer of 2006, a record high 710 heads of household were seen in our Emergency Assistance program. We have three major program goals:

Goal 1: Temporarily reduce hunger within Mercer county.
Goal 2: Assist individuals in stabilizing their medical situation.
Goal 3: Assist individuals in accessing other needed community services.

Without financial and in-kind support from the community, we would not be able to continue this program. If you are interested in supporting this program through either a charitable gift or an "in kind" donation, please visit our donation page .

The Emergency Assistance program operates Monday through Friday. Clients can call for assistance between 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Walk-in hours are from 9:30 a.m. till 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. or by special appointment.