Giving dignity in a crisis

This message came in from one of our Advocates in Oldham:

"M's electrics blew, due to an electrical fault, and ruined her toaster, kettle, microwave and vacuum cleaner. She cannot afford to replace the items because of her low income and a change of circumstances. Her daughter has turned eighteen, is no longer in full time education and has, therefore, been removed from M's Universal Credit claim. Adjusting to this new lower income has been difficult for M and has been exacerbated by the rise in the cost of living."

M had no savings for this type of crisis, unable to afford the costs of everyday living, which is a situation many find themselves in. Acts 435 exists to enable donors to step into this gap, and help an individual facing a crisis just like this.

M was overwhelmed by her situation, and wrote to thank donors after her need was met:

I would like to say thank you to Acts 435 for their kindness and understanding of my situation. It is so difficult to ask for help, knowing that there are so many people in a terrible situation. Thank you for making me feel deserving of your help. It's hard to make most people understand that when you are living hand to mouth, month after month and year after year, that you cannot put anything away for a rainy day. I was overwhelmed when all my essential electrical goods broke at the same time. I did not imagine that I would be able to get help for anything that seemed so trivial when compared to people who have no home and in a lot of cases no food. It's not just the funds that I am grateful for, it's the fact that I have been able to keep my dignity. I can't find enough words to tell you how wonderful you people are and how much difference you made to our lives.