Good Samaritan Fund Guidelines

WASHINGTON COUNTY MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATION

Good Samaritan Fund Guidelines

To make proper use of the funds entrusted to the Washington County Ministerial Association the following guidelines have been developed.

Stewardship of Resources

·         Funding for the WCMA Good Samaritan Fund comes from local congregations, Community Good Friday Service offerings, as well as donations from area organizations, residents, and businesses.

·         It will remain the goal of the WCMA to honor God and donors by being good stewards of the resources entrusted to us.

Referrals

·         Referrals to the WCMA Good Samaritan Fund may come from area churches, law enforcement agencies, fire departments, area agencies, and client calls.

Transients

·         From time-to-time people with limited resources pass through our community and contact area churches for assistance. These individuals should be referred to the WCMA Good Samaritan Fund Intake Counselor and at their discretion may provide lodging, fuel, and food as funds are available.

Local Washington County Neighbors in Need

·         Residents of Washington County are encouraged to use the Food Pantry located at Joseph’s Coat when available.

·         At the discretion of the Intake Counselor assistance may be provided for rent, utilities, food, and fuel.

·         Requests for financial assistance for needs other than those stated above will be considered on an individual basis.

·         Hotel lodging will no longer be available except for emergency situations as determined by the Intake Counselor.

Process

·         The Good Samaritan Fund Intake Counselor will meet with persons requesting assistance and obtain following information.

Ø  Full name, birth date, address, phone number, the need, and why they are in need.

·         Payment will not be given to the individual but paid only to the landlord, utility provider, etc.

·         No vouchers will be given but fuel and groceries will be paid for on location by the GSF Intake Counselor.

·         A copy of the transaction will be sent to the board of the Washington County Ministerial Assn. asap.

·         A maximum for fuel will be $30.

·         The maximum amount of assistance for an individual or household per year will be $250.

·         Consistent with our goal to be good stewards of the resources God provides, and to offer a hand-up to individuals with needs, we will make every effort to share the love of Christ with our clients, offer pray and share the gospel, and when possible provide them with a Bible, and a budget form.

·         Returning clients will also be offered coaching to help them better manage their personal financial situation.

·         Clients will also be made aware of other resources in the community.

Implementation

·         There will be on-going review of use of these discretionary funds by WCMA officers.  Reports will be given to the Ministerial at regularly scheduled meetings.  

·         These guidelines will be reviewed annually.

(Revised/Approved at the November 2024 WCMA meeting.)