“Give a man a fish, he eats today.”

Relief - is responding to the immediate crisis or need. The need is easily identifiable and the response is quick. Relief is great for volunteers because they can identify what has been accomplished and celebrate their service.

Relief has limits, though. For example, one could give to lessen the immediate crisis, but have we really understood why we the need is there? So in a worst case scenario, we can create dependency for relief by sharing relief. Relief can be described by this popular saying – “give a man a fish, he eats today.” Likely, 70% of serving in our community is in the form of relief. See below, "thanks" from one of the families served by FCSF.

Faith Community Service Fund is Relief

With FCSF, relief begins by discussing your situation with United Way's 211 call referral line. You can call 211 from almost any telephone. (Some cell phone carriers are not set up - so dial 800-559-5590.)

"Why call them. What can they do?" All of our appointments are scheduled by 211. When you call, 211 will schedule an appointment with FCSF; or they may have a better connection for you with another service, agency, or group. This allows the power of 211's referral service to be working for you!
"I didn't get an appointment, what's up with that?" Because requests are many and relief is limited, not everyone can get an appointment.

To get in touch with FCSF click here.