Unemployment, foreclosures, bankruptcy. These days it’s an all too familiar theme, and much to often, hitting very close to home.
For local families in need of assistance, the offers short-term, emergency help when the rent is past due or the electricity, water or gas are about to be shut off. Assistance is also offered by means of vouchers for gas and other needed items. A special fund helps students enrolled in Elmhurst schools with needed supplies and fees. The Walk In Ministry also refers clients to local food pantries and to other social services agencies throughout the county that offer help.
The trained volunteers at the Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry have been working with local families in need for nearly 15 years, but since January they have seen a dramatic increase in both the number of clients requesting assistance and the total number of dollars disbursed. Since January 2011, EWIM saw a nearly 22 percent increase in the total dollars disbursed over the same period last year. It served 622 clients over the first eight months of 2011. On the income side, the nonprofit charity has seen a 46 percent drop in donations from individuals and a 30 percent drop in contributions from local churches. Help from the Elmhurst community is urgently needed.
Volunteers are at the EWIM from 10 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. It is located at , 125 W. Church St. Volunteers welcome, listen, and with established guidelines, provide assistance in many forms. (No cash is given, only checks to vendors or vouchers to businesses.) A volunteer staff operates EWIM with no paid personnel.
If you would like to help your neighbors through support to the Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry, donations can be sent to The Elmhurst Walk-In Ministry, 125 W. Church St., Elmhurst, IL 60126.
