“Blessed is the servant who loves his brother as much when he is sick and useless as when he is well and be of service to him.” -St. Francis

Last week I participated in a training for an online program called The Benefit Bank. The program is designed to “close the gap between public funds and people in need.” There are $39 billion in unclaimed benefits for citizens in the United States and only about half of the people that are eligible for Food Stamps are receiving the supplemental income. The Benefit Bank helps people to easily apply for these benefits. Programs like LIHEAP (which I’ve written about in a past blog), SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, aka Food Stamps), TANF (welfare), Medicare/Medicaid, child care subsidies, and rent rebates applications are all accessible.

We recently opened up four internet-capable computers at the Urban Center and we are hoping that by becoming a Benefit Bank center, we can help people to get the assistance they are entitled to. Brother John and I will be sending out flyers to local agencies and churches to inform area providers of the services we offer.