Forum – A Money Lending Marketplace

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”
― Wendy Mas

“I hope you will have a wonderful year, that you’ll dream dangerously and outrageously, that you’ll make something that didn’t exist before you made it, that you will be loved and that you will be liked, and that you will have people to love and to like in return. And, most importantly (because I think there should be more kindness and more wisdom in the world right now), that you will, when you need to be, be wise, and that you will always be kind.”
― Neil Gaiman

A note on other assistance:

Food Pantries in the US: https://www.foodpantries.org/ , https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank , https://www.efoodnet.org/resources/food-banks/

Homeless Shelter Directories: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/ , https://www.shelterlistings.org/ , https://www.shelterlist.com/

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: toll-free at 800-273-8255

Need help for domestic violence? toll-free: 800-799-7233 (SAFE)

AIDS

CDC AIDS Information website

AIDS Info: Treatment, Prevention and Research
(800) HIV-0440

ALCOHOL

Al-Anon for Families of Alcoholics
Automated meeting information
(800) 344-2666

Families Anonymous – 12-step program similar to Al-Anon, meeting information only
(800) 736-9805

SAMHSA National Helpline
800-662-HELP (4357)

CHILD ABUSE

California Child Protection Hotline
Within CA only: (800) 540-4000

Massachusetts Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 792-5200

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
(800) 422-4453

Covenant House – Help for runaways
(800) 999-9999

CRISIS & SUICIDE

Girls & Boys Town National Hotline
(800) 448-3000

International Suicide Hotlines

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – For youth and adults
(800) 273-TALK (8255) https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

Samaritans (UK Crisis Help, Anywhere in the UK or Ireland)
116 123

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

National Domestic Violence Hotline
(800) 799-7233

Rape, Sexual Assault, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN)
(800) 656-HOPE

FOOD

SNAP

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly referred to as SNAP, is one of the best resources for low-income families struggling with food. It is the largest domestic anti-hunger program. SNAP also benefits local communities because research has found the majority of recipients spend their benefits in their communities. Unfortunately, the application process for government assistance can take a couple of weeks to complete. A local food bank can help tide you over until your government assistance is sorted out.

Feeding America / Second Harvest

Previously called “Second Harvest,” Feeding America is the largest network of food banks in the United States. The non-profit organization provides emergency food assistance to more than 46 million Americans each year. Visit their site to find a Feeding America food bank in your area.

Ample Harvest

Ample Harvest helps connect local farmers with food pantries and food banks, so that excess harvested fruits and vegetables can be shared—rather than going to waste if they are not sold. Their website can help you find partnered food banks in your area.

FoodPantries.org

FoodPantries.org is a website that lists thousands of food pantries throughout the United States. The site lists government and nonprofit subsidized grocery resources available to families in need. It is user generated which means anyone can submit food pantries to be added to the list. This non-profit is one of the best online resources for finding local food banks.Continue to 5 of 6 below.

PantryNet.org

PantryNet.org offers a listing of local food pantries around the nation. It’s similar to Foodpantries.org but only lists food pantries that have requested to be listed. You can search its database by zip code or state. Visit their site to look for a food pantry in your area. The site is clutter free and easy to navigate.

2-1-1

2-1-1 is a service provided by the United Way that connects individuals and families with service organizations and assistance programs right in your immediate area. Dial 2-1-1 on your telephone to find out whether the service is active in your area at this time. Operators will then direct you to a local food pantry or food bank in your area.