Pastors' Emergency Fund

The Pastors' Emergency Fund, administered during Food Cupboard hours on Mondays and Thursdays, is funded by gifts from the congregation to provide financial assistance to members of the congregation and neighbors of the church.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can ask for money?

We assist members of our congregation, and people who live in ZIP codes 14604, 14607 or 14620 (the ZIP codes served by our Food Cupboard).

How does someone ask for money?

Requests can be made directly to a pastor (congregation members) or to the pastors' assistant at Food Cupboard (everyone else). Requestors are asked to provide identification and verification of how money will be used.

How much money can someone get?

We give $50.00 for rent or utility assistance, less for other emergencies. In very rare cases, we might pay up to $100.00 for emergency housing (less than once a year)

What can the money be used for?

We give assistance for:

• bus passes for work or medical care
• rent or security-deposit assistance
• help with utility bills
• We might also give help with prescriptions or medical co-pays
• help with telephone bills if there are children or medical issues involved
• other emergencies as deemed appropriate

How do we know people use the money appropriately?

No money is given directly. All assistance is in the form of checks written to the provider of the service. Rent assistance checks are written only to the owner listed at the City Department of Maps and Surveys. Utility/telephone checks are written to the company named on a bill presented by the requestor. Bus passes are obtained by check written to the Regional Transit Authority, which has been very conscientious about letting us know if recipients misuse our checks. No further assistance will be given anyone misusing our help.

How often can someone ask for money?

Financial assistance is given to any one person or family no more than once every six months.

Do the same people ask for money each month?

Fewer than 15% are chronic users. No one receives help more often than once every six months.

What if someone needs money and it is not a "Food Cupboard" day?

Office staff and volunteers advise inquirers of the open hours. Pastors are available to handle emergencies at other times.

Do we give any other types of help?

We make referrals to community agencies and special programs to help people find ways to become more self-sufficient in any way they can.

for more information call 585.271.6513 Or e-mail us!	Third Presbyterian Church 4 Meigs Street Rochester, NY 14607

www.thirdpresbyterian.org