The Providence Mercy Ministry reaches out to people in our congregation who are experiencing challenging financial and practical situations. The ministry offers help in assessing needs and working together to find solutions through developing action plans.

Our purpose is to show God's love by trying to help people work through difficult circumstances and to be facilitators of the work God is doing in their lives. The team can provide practical assistance and encouragement members and regular attendees in challenging circumstances.

How Do We Help?

Just as challenges come in many forms, the Mercy Ministry responds in various ways. A few of the ways we've been able to help include:

• financial assistance with bills (rent, utilities, medical, etc)
• aid in finding temporary and long-term housing
• subsidies for counseling services
• assistance with personal budgeting
• prayer, spiritual guidance and accountability
• food gift certificates
• networking assistance with other support services and organizations
minor home repairs
• assistance with transportation

It is important to understand that the Mercy Ministry's goal is to see an individual's situation change over time until the person no longer requires our assistance. In that sense, our help is temporary.

Mercy Ministry team members work toward this end by guiding people to manage their budgets responsibly, plan for the future, seek employment, resolve conflicts, mend relationships, seek God's community, and know and obey God in all areas of their lives. As those we are helping grow closer to the Lord, they will find the strength, wisdom, and grace to experience deeply changed lives.

The Mercy Ministry is funded entirely by the donations of individuals at Providence. We are, therefore, accountable to the congregation to be wise stewards of the resources God has given us through His people. Because our funding is limited, we direct financial support to the neediest within the congregation.

How do I get in touch with the Mercy Ministry Team?

The Mercy Ministry serves those in crisis or challenging situations within the PPC congregation only.

If you are a member of Providence, or call it your church home through regular attendance, and you're in need of practical help, call the church office and explain your need to speak with the Mercy Ministry. A team member will return your call within 36 hours.

You will be asked a few basic questions that are asked of everyone who calls for assistance. This information helps us understand your need and how we can best help. The information you share with us will be kept confidential. Please keep in mind, due to limited resources, the Mercy Ministry cannot take on all requests for assistance.

What Happens Next?

Once you have spoken with the Mercy Ministry, the team will decide if they can help with your particular need or if they can help you find another community resource agency. If the team feels they can help with your problem, you will be assigned a Mercy Ministry Team Member.

Our goal is to partner with you and see your situation change over time until you no longer need our assistance. This partnership is a two-way street. We expect you to be honest with us and to make full disclosure of your financial situation. You can expect us to strive to understand you, encourage and love you in Christ, provide for your basic needs when appropriate, and pray for you and with you. We believe that in order for you to benefit fully from this ministry, it is essential for you to become involved in the life of Providence Presbyterian Church

Those seeking financial assistance will first be asked to review their budget. Requests will be considered based on a client's basic living needs. Each request for financial assistance goes through a review process sometimes involving several people. Clients may be asked to discontinue nonessential living expenses before assistance is approved. Financial assistance may continue over time, however, with the intent of reducing and eventually discontinuing our financial assistance when appropriate.

The Mercy Ministry occasionally provides long-term financial assistance, but does not provide loans, nor compensates for individual business risks, under any circumstances. Please understand that financial assistance is not guaranteed, and that the Mercy Ministry is not always able to provide it.