Thursday, December 13, 2012

Recently a friend of mine called and said she had a really stressful day.  She explained that a friend of hers was having a hard time, like a lot of us, with making ends meet.  Unfortunately hers is compounded  by having a husband who is abusive.  Bright, smart, financially savy, educated, funny and normally a great personality has found herself in a bad situation and see's no way out other than to leave.  Leaving is not easy though, money is the major issue.  It seems when she thinks she is rounding the corner something he does not only stops her but pushes her back several steps.  Women, especially black women are suppose to be strong - resilient, but sometimes even the strong need help.  My friends friend is normally strong but she needs her sisterhood to help.  I ask that all those who read this, all those who who have been there or all those who know how to help, please let us know how you can.  My friend made the comment that with all my suggestions and ideas that I should build a list of resources for women in crisis to help financially, emotionally and physically.  So that is what you will find here.  I will start with Atlanta because it is the area I know. It is home.  I welcome all input, all suggestions.  Let's come together and help each other ladies.

The first place I usually check is the United Way site.  http://211online.unitedwayatlanta.org/
You can inquire on line or call 211 from any phone and speak with someone.  They give referrals to places that can help you in whatever your situation is.  They can help you with food, clothing, utilities, rental/mortgage assistance, employment search/ preparation, legal assistance as well as many other things. 

There are a few standard places they will refer you too like the Salvation Army or St. Vincent DePaul.  Both of those places are great if you can get through to them.  Funds are limited and need is at an all time high.  If you live in the West End area of Atlanta Hosea Feeds the Hungry on Donnelly Avenue closest to Lee Street is very helpful especially when it comes to food.

Feed the Hungry Foundation - this place will actually bring you a box of food if you put in an application. 
 
The way their program works is simple. All you need to do is call in and submit an application and be available to be at home on Saturday until your box of food is delivered. That's right! Delivered! Feed the Hungry Foundation, Inc. is the only nonprofit in the southeast that delivers unprepared food to your home. Boxes include such things as:
Canned Tuna, Canned Ham, Canned Green Beans, Rice, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Fruit, etc.
Each Box also contains a Bible. It is the belief of this foundation that nourishing the soul is just as important as nourishing the body.
 
Applications are taken Monday-Thursday from 9:30am-12:30 pm. To submit an application please call (770)980-1550 and go to extension 4 when prompted.
 
If you need help with a Domestic Violence situation call
Sisters Against Domestic Violence, Inc.
Confidential Address
Atlanta, GA 30331
(404) 549-9734 Administrative
(404) 941-9102 Crisis Line
(404) 941-9328 Fax
 
or
 
Partnership Against Domestic Violence/PADV
Confidential Address
Decatur, GA 30030
(404) 870-9600 Administrative Office
(404) 870-9627 Fulton Administrative
(770) 339-9160 Gwinnett Administrative
(404) 873-1766 Fulton Crisis Line
(770) 963-9799 Gwinnett Crisis Line
(800) 334-2836 GA Statewide Hotline
(404) 870-9611 Fax
 
These are just a few places to get help.  I hope that this will help someone out there.