Help when you need it!

During these tough economic times, being frugal may not be not enough. Sometimes, if one has lost his or her job or had unexpected expenses, one simply needs extra help, whether that help be from friends and family or private charity or the government.
Help in extenuating circumstances should not be construed as 'living on the dole' nor should one be too proud to seek and accept such help if truly needed.
With that in mind, I am listing several resources for you.
Because I work at the Virginia Department of Social Services Home Office, I often get notice of such programs before they are announced to the general public or notice of programs that most folks would have to spend hours digging through the web to find.

I must ask one favor of my readers: Please do not seek out these resources just to be frugal or to get something for free. Please use them if you truly need them, but if you are doing okay, please leave them for those who are truly needy.

FIRST STOP: Phone 211 ! 211 is staffed by professionally trained individuals whose job is to help you find help!

Other resources:
Angel Food Ministries: http://www.angelfoodministries.com/
Angel Food dispenses a large box of nutritious food monthly for one low price. Anyone can participate.

Food bank: If you don't need to use the food bank yourself, please donate:
In addition to food stored in non-perishable containers, the food bank welcomes donations of toiletries such a toothbrushes and pastes, shampoo and soap.
AND they can use pet food donations to help distressed people feed their pets.
http://www.cvfb.org/

Need a car for work or to look for work but can't afford one?
http://www.opportunitycars.com/cars_for_low-income_families.htm

Cellphone?
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/home.aspx

This link was promoted on the WTVR - TV 6 website and news. I have no idea if the program works or not but I can't believe a local TV station, especially the home of reporter and advocate extraordinaire Mark Holmberg, would be deliberately promoting a rip-off. It's supposed to help people with lousy or no credit get a car.
http://1800startover.com/

Benefits, grants, etc. from the U.S. government:
http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtml

Low cost and free Internet services:
http://www.freedomlist.com/