Increasing the limit for requests for help
You may have noticed that the monetary limit for requests for help has increased on our website, which means that our local partners can now post requests up to the upper limit of £200 (instead of the previous £150). This is a decision we have recently made, with our Trustees, to make sure that we can continue to help individuals with the items that they need most.
Why?
With the rising cost of living in the UK we have been made aware that it is becoming increasingly difficult for our Advocates, and their recipients, to find larger items within the previous limit of £150.
Therefore, we have made the decision to increase the limit for requests to £200. However, as with our previous limit on requests, we ask our Advocates to only use this upper limit where absolutely necessary for specific larger items, such as cookers, washing machines and fridge freezers.
Although we have increased the upper limit for each request, one household is still able to have up to three requests. This means that we can enable our donors to help individuals and families in a crisis, but highlights that we're not an on-going financial support.
Alongside the guidelines around the upper limit we also have in place other guidelines on some items, and have increased or stipulated these where we feel necessary. We have placed reasonable limits for some specific items, such as £100 for a mobile phone or £75 for a microwave.
How do we keep track of these limits?
With the launch of our new website and back-end systems in June 2022, we were able to integrate some new processes. One of these processes is that each request posted by our local partners gets read by our staff team before it goes live onto the website. This enables us to question and, where needed, amend the amount or request. This process helps us to keep the system fair for every applicant, making sure all our guidelines are adhered to.
As we increase the limit on each request we're very thankful to all our donors, each giving what they can; whether meeting a need in full or giving towards a request. In 2022 the most popular amount donated was £50, which on its own wouldn't be sufficient to meet in full one of the requests on our website. That's what we love about Acts 435 - it is as people donate, alongside others, to the same need, that they can together support an individual in crisis. We are trusting that in spite of the cost of living crisis continuing to impact so many, our donors will still step up with us in generosity to continue to meet the needs of those seeking our help, even as we increase the maximum limit of our requests.
Give to an urgent need today!
The average time for a need to be fully funded is currently 6 days
£200 needed for a refurbished laptop
K, an asylum seeker who arrived in our area three months ago having left his family in Kuwait, receives £9 per week in financial support. This client has engaged with our organisation, attending different activities such as English language classes, English communication sessions, CV writing sessions and cultural events each week. K needs help to buy a refurbished laptop as he wants to strengthen his English language skills.
£200 needed for outdoor storage boxes
V has a large family of eight and they are unsuitably housed. It is very overcrowded which is impacting the whole family. They are trying to stay clutter free but with two babies, this is hard. They have no storage at all so items such as prams, car seats, baby bouncer and toys have to be kept in the living room. This means the children have no room to play. They are in need of two large outside storage boxes. They are £100 each but would give the family their much needed space. Thank you.
£200 needed for a washing machine
A has experienced a few bouts of homelessness since he separated from his ex-wife many years ago. He suffers with anxiety and depression and has mobility issues. He has now moved into a one bed privately rented flat. The washing machine is not working and will not be replaced. Due to his mobility issues he is struggling with his laundry and this is having a detrimental affect on his mental health. He cannot work due to his health and does not have the funds to buy a washing machine.
£190 needed for a laptop
M is an ex-gambling addict who is rebuilding his life after experiencing destitution and rough sleeping. He is living in homeless accommodation, and gives regular talks and support to people still suffering from addiction. M wants a laptop so he can start studying, learning, and applying for jobs. He wants to work in a role where he can help people, and eventually set up a gambling support line for people like himself.
£200 needed for a new washing machine
This single mum with a 9 year old daughter lives in rented social housing and suffers from multiple physical and mental health problems including musculoskeletal issues. She lives on Universal Credit and Child Benefit (she is not currently receiving Personal Independence Payments). Christians Against Poverty are putting a debt plan together for her multiple debts and she has no savings. Her washing machine is broken and is irreparable. Can you help her to replace it?
£200 needed for school uniforms
The family is experiencing financial hardship and is struggling to meet essential living costs, including household bills and food. They currently rely on food bank support to help manage daily expenses. Assistance with school uniforms for their four children would help ease financial pressure and ensure the children can attend school properly equipped.
£200 needed for a shopping voucher for food, toiletries and clothing
This gentleman is a victim of domestic abuse, having been in the relationship for many years and raising his three children, he has finally managed to break free. He is now sadly having to live in his car, in between homes and having to basically start over. He is in real need of help with food and clothing, as he has lost many of his possessions due to leaving. Would you be able to please help him with a voucher so that he can get some food and essential clothing?
£195 needed for the supply and fitting of carpets for hall, stairs and landing
This family has recently moved into a new home after spending a period in temporary accommodation. Their income is limited as the father is actively seeking employment. They are learning to manage their finances carefully while repaying some small debts through an agreed plan. The family is receiving support as they work towards greater stability. They need carpeting especially as their baby is now crawling and beginning to take their first steps. Praying that our generous donors can help
£170 needed for a mattress
This single mum with a 9 year old daughter, living in rented social housing, suffers from multiple physical and mental health problems including muscular skeletal issues. She lives on Universal Credit and child benefit (not currently getting Personal Independence Payments). Christians Against Poverty are putting a debt plan together for multiple debts and she has no savings. The springs are going in her current king size mattress and she needs £170 to replace it with one that will help her be more comfortable