Originally written by Erica Exotica on Stripper Web 10/10/19
RESOURCES FOR SEX WORKERS WHO MIGHT BE STRUGGLING
This is a list of resources for those in our community who might be struggling. I hope we can add to this list and share vital information with our fellow community members.
GENERAL ASSISTANCE, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND GRANTS
1. CATHOLIC CHARITIES
With over 160 different agencies in the country, Catholic Charities works to end poverty and help individuals, regardless of their religion.
The organization offers community food banks and serves meals at soup kitchens. They also provide food for children who need a meal after school hours, including on weekends or during the summer.
For families trying to manage a strict grocery budget, they offer cooking classes and educational programs to help you maximize every dollar.
If you’re in danger of losing your home and becoming homeless, they even provide emergency housing assistance through one-time financial aid to pay your rent or mortgage. If that’s not an option in your situation, they can connect you to housing options in your area.
For more information, please visit www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/find-help/
3. SINGLE MOTHERS GRANTS
This website offers the largest directory of single mother grants help with rent, utility bills, childcare, education, medication, housing, medical bills, and mortgage among others. Grants published on this website are made available from a variety of sources - state, federal, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Many of these financial assistance programs have limited funding and some programs might stipulate that the single mother meet specific income requirements.
For more information, please visit www.singlemothergrants.org
2. FREE CHARITY CARS
For many people, transportation is a major issue. Particularly for those in suburban or rural areas, public transportation may not be an option. Not having access to a train or bus line can limit employment opportunities, reducing your earning potential.
Free Charity Cars strives to address this issue by providing free cars to people on the path to self-sufficiency. By getting a car free of charge, the hope is that individuals will be able to better access jobs and other resources.
To find out more or to apply for a car, please visit www.freecharitycars.org .
3. GRADIENT GIVES BACK COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM
The Gradient Gives Back Community Outreach Program aims to help poor and distressed Americans at risk of losing their homes.
Whether you own your home or are renting, the organization provides mortgage payment or lease assistance by making payments for you. While they are based in Minnesota, they assist families nationwide.
For more information or to apply for assistance, please visit www.gradientgivesback.com/foundation
4. THE MODEST NEEDS GRANT
Unlike many charities, Modest Needs tries to prevent financial disasters by helping families before they become homeless. They focus on those who are just one or two paychecks away from an emergency.
The organization provides short-term financial assistance to those in a temporary crisis, such as a sudden job loss or big medical bill. Many recipients are ineligible for aid from other organizations because they are technically above the poverty line but are still on the brink of losing everything.
Modest Needs offers self-sufficiency grants to help give you a hand. They give particular consideration to single persons, public school teachers, and first responders struggling to make ends meet.
If you’re unable to pay rent this month because of an unexpected car repair or you’re worried about paying the utilities because you have a hospital bill, this grant can help.
For more information or to apply for a grant, please visit www.modestneeds.org
5. NETWISH
NetWish is a nonprofit focused on paying it forward. Individuals provide help to others by granting small “wishes” or requests for help that cost $200 or less. The charity will send gift cards to recipients to help them pay for rent, utilities, medical bills, or to buy clothes for a job interview.
While the amounts are relatively small, $200 can be enough to buy groceries for a month, keep the power on, buy school textbooks, or put gas in your car. It can be an important safety net in an emergency.
To submit a request, please visit www.netwish.org and click on “Make a NetWish.”
7. UNITED WAY 211
The United Way 211 Information and Assistance Helpline is a free and confidential service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. By calling, emailing, or texting 2-1-1, you can get connected to local resources to help you through a crisis.
Whether you need emergency food stamps, housing, medical aid, or are a victim of domestic abuse, 211 can help you find services in your area.
For more information, please visit www.211.org .
8. NEED HELP PAYING BILLS
Find information on programs that offer a number of ways to get help with paying bills. The resources available that may help with these payments include: financial assistance programs, social services programs, housing assistance programs, food assistance programs, medical and dental care assistance, debt assistance, transportation assistance, legal assistance.
For more information, please visit www.needhelppayingbills.com .
FOOD ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
1. FOOD PANTRIES
2. FREE FOOD
3. FEEDING AMERICA
www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
4. AMPLE HARVEST
www.ampleharvest.org/find-pantry/
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
1. PINEAPPLE SUPPORT
Pineapple Support is a non-profit organization that provides 24/7 emotional support and professional therapy sessions to adult industry performers and producers. They offer anonymous 24/7 peer-to-peer listening support through a secure online therapy platform. They also offer free or subsidized professional therapy and counseling sessions with sex-worker friendly therapists. These sessions are offered both face-to-face and by online video therapy sessions. With the lack of mental health care for those in this industry, Pineapple Support is dedicated to making these critical services accessible to those who may need it.
For more information, please visit www.pineapplesupport.org .