Financial help from churches in the city and county of St. Louis.
Depending on where a family lives in the city or county of Saint Louis, there may be a local church that can help them in their time of need. The assistance programs are diverse and wide ranging in what may be offered. Not only may a site they have funds to pay for bills such as rent or heating, but some faith based charities also offer English as a Second Language classes, free home delivered meals or food from a pantry, and information on applying for public aid.
Free meals and food from St. Louis churches
St. Louis food pantries are often located at faith based charities. They serve free food to many different people. Places including Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church Ministry (4981 Theodore Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63115, call (314) 389-2269) as well as All Saints Episcopal (location is 5010 Terry, Saint Louis, Missouri 63115, dial (314) 367-2314) serve immigrants, seniors, children, and the homeless. Food, gift cards, and other supplies may be available.
When stopping by a food pantry, the client should bring their own bag(s) or cardboard box to place the groceries into. Applicants should also expect both a limited inventory of supplies available as well as limited hours. After all a church is generally limited in the amount of assistance that can be provided.
Home delivered meals can be arranged as well for people that can't make it to the pantry. St. Cronan Catholic Church (1202 South Boyle Avenue, Saint Louis, MO 63110, dial (314) 533-0651) is but one of the sites that offer this service. It is very effective for seniors, the sick, and/or home-bound in the city. A volunteer driver will bring a meal to the home or apartment of the client.
No matter a religion or background, Christmas meals and gift programs are available. St. John Missionary Baptist Church (427 Market Street, Alton, IL 62002, phone (618) 465-5954) is just one of the locations. These programs are just not for Catholics but people of all religions.
Churches in St. Louis financial aid programs
When it comes to emergency financial help from a church is St. Louis County (or the city), SVDP is a leading organization. In fact this may be the only faith based group that does this, but they have multiple locations that disburse money to the needy.
One example is Saint Vincent church at 1310 Papin Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 (call (314) 881-6000), which is part of SVDP. They have grants, free money for paying bills or living expenses. But there will be an interview required as well as a home visit.
The funds can be used to pay different types of utility bills. This includes water, heating fuel, gas, or electric. The demand on a church is usually higher during the St. Louis winter months, as the charities want homes with kids or the elderly to stay warm. Families should therefore apply early.
SVDP also can provide short term rental assistance in Saint Louis. The church will use a portion of its grant based aid for this. But the volunteer from the church will need to review the lease agreement as well as see the condition of the home before any funds for paying rent are authorized.
Other financial aid from Antioch Baptist Church (4213 West North Market Street, Saint Louis, Missouri 63113, call (314) 535-1110) and other locations includes clothing vouchers, applications to prescription drug patient assistance programs, household goods, gasoline and much more. All requests are reviewed on a one off basis.
Christ Church Cathedral (1210 Locust Street, Saint Louis, MO 63103, (314) 231-3454) operates one of the regions Extreme Cold Weather Warming Centers. This will get the homeless, elderly, and disabled out of the cold weather. The person dropping in not only has a warm space to stay, but hot drinks and meals are given too. Or if they need a blanket or sweater for the winter then basic needs are given.
As an example showing the diversity of programs available, Believers Temple Word Fellowship Christian Church (address of 2115 Chambers Road, Saint Louis, MO 63136, dial (314) 388-0801) provides support when it comes to taxes. Some of this help is just in the form of information, such as on the county of St. Louis Property Tax Rebate program. Other support is more hands on.
Volunteers partner with churches to show low income seniors and other families who to file their taxes. This service is similar to the VITA program. Clients can learn about all the credits and deductions they can apply too, they can get information on filing state or federal government returns, and other support throughout the process Also, the property tax rebate program can also help a client reduce the burden of home-ownership. Find more information on property tax help.
Self-sufficiency services
Immigrants in the city and county, no matter their language, can apply for Citizenship Test Preparation and/or English as a Second Language classes. St. John Lutheran Church and their Cornerstone Center (address - 15808 Manchester Road, Ballwin, MO 63011, call (636) 891-6649) as well as Calvary Fellowship Church at 1811 Smizer Station Road, Fenton, MO 63026, phone (636) 891-6649 are two of the leading organizations for this service. There are classes for Asians, Spanish speakers, refugees and other newcomers to the region.
In general, the religious groups want the vulnerable to gain skills. So Spanish speakers or those without a GED may need English classes. Or they encourage other support too, ranging from counseling to debt advice and more. This is all part of the employment services from Jubilee Community Church (4231 North Grand Boulevard, Saint Louis, Missouri 63107, phone: (314) 533-5400) and others. Some of the churches in City Louis city will also arrange after school or day care for any kids while the parent is training.
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