“We live in a community where a car repair can lead to a loss of work and housing really fast,” said Dee Anne Everson, the executive director of United Way of Jackson County. The Hope Chest program was started to help with situations like this by directly paying vendors for an emergency expense. For financially insecure households, one surprise expense can quickly balloon into an insurmountable problem. Everson explained that it often takes less outside help to keep people housed or employed than to help them find new work or a place to live.
The Hope Chest was inspired by Hank Collins, a local public health director, who used to give out restaurant coupons, gas cards, or other things to people in town. “When he passed away, it occurred to me that we could live up to his legacy and do something similar on an ongoing basis,” Everson said.
Fifteen years later, the program remains red-tape free. The overwhelming majority of clients are single moms with children and jobs. “They just can’t get by and one thing knocks them out of the water,” Everson explained. The Hope Chest wants to keep as many people in Jackson County afloat as possible.
All that’s required for people to get this emergency funding is a referral from a local social worker or case worker. Funds are limited to $1000 per person per year but have covered everything from veterinary bills for service animals to ankle monitors–sometimes used by people awaiting trial or convicted of low-level offenses as an alternative to incarceration with a cost not covered by the court system– so people can stay home, take care of their children and keep their jobs.
Another demand is coverage of final expenses for loved ones after a death. “The cheapest cremation is $1500 in our area,” Everson says, and Social Security only covers a fraction of that leaving families on the hook for the rest.
There are a number of organizations that can help with housing or utilities but there are many necessary expenses that can come as a surprise and be out of financial reach for people struggling with the basics. “We try to cover everything that typical [agencies] don’t cover,” Everson said. “This is a fund of last resort.”
The Hope Chest is unique compared to other financial relief programs in that they can often make these direct vendor payments within 24-hours. When people are in a moment of crisis, Everson explained, having help come quickly can be an immense relief, “When you’re in that moment, what you need is someone to solve that problem.”
Need for the Hope Chest is high in Jackson County, like so many places, Everson explained. Last year they helped close to 4,000 people but have had to turn away others when funds for the month run out. A recent grant from the Roundhouse Foundation will allow them to help even more people this year.
