This has been a difficult year for many in our community. Between federal layoffs and rising prices, there are individuals and families across Jewish Baltimore who are having difficulty paying their bills.
If you are struggling to make ends meet, you are not alone. Research shows that a quarter of Baltimore’s Jewish community needs some financial help. Nationally, over 60% of financially vulnerable Jews are struggling because of an unexpected life disruption, including job loss, sudden illness, divorce or other family changes.
In addition to providing financial assistance, The Associated network offers many confidential programs and resources to help you get back on your feet. Here are a few:
Employment Opportunities
Unemployed or looking for a better job? The Associated offers comprehensive career coaching, resume writing, interview preparation and job placement through Jewish Community Service’s (JCS) Ignite Career Center.
Homeowner Resources
Struggling with your rent or mortgage? Worried you might lose your home?
Through CHAI, HUD-certified housing counselors offer expertise to help protect your home and prevent foreclosure or eviction. They can work with you to navigate complex processes and help you find available resources.
CHAI professionals can also help individuals save on energy costs with interest free Energy Saving Loans for qualified energy savings repairs and upgrades.
Important Tip: Don’t wait until you are in crisis. It is much easier to get assistance when there is time to find solutions. Waiting until the last minute may be too late.
Loans
Sometimes, you are facing a costly expense that wasn’t in your budget. Hebrew Free Loan offers no-interest loans to individuals and families for everything from medical care to tuition or home repairs. These loans are easy to apply for and confidential.
In addition, Hebrew Free Loan offers small business loans.
Older Adult Supports
Many older adults are looking to live independently on fixed incomes.
Through programs like CHAIway, older adults living in CHAI’s service areas and senior living communities can receive discounted Uber and Lyft rides to the grocery store, doctor’s appointments and more. Other programs provide assistance with home repair and accessibility modifications.
Older adults can find these services, along with low-cost cultural, tech and fitness programming through AgeWell Baltimore, an Associated initiative that pulls together over 40 services from our agencies, JCS, CHAI and CHANA.
Participation in Jewish Life
Being Jewish can be expensive. Yet there are no-cost and low-cost ways to get involved.
Receive free Jewish books for your children through PJ Library or participate in a cohort with others like you in programs where cost is not a barrier – both through Macks Jewish Connection Network. Celebrate Shabbat with young adults over Friday night dinner, thanks to a program through The Associated’s Young Adult Division and the Macks OneTable.
The Associated also offers scholarships for Israel trips, J Camps and Maccabi games as well as subsidized JCC memberships to make participation in Jewish life more affordable.
Long-Term Financial Security
Sometimes, becoming financially secure means thinking about how you spend your money. Through JCS’s Financial Wellness program, professionals will review your household budget and spending habits. They then provide advice on how to allocate money more effectively, while helping alter spending behaviors to reach long-term financial stability. They can also determine if you qualify for government assistance. It’s confidential and individualized to meet each person’s financial needs.
Learn about The Associated’s financial resources at associated.org/financialwellness
By giving to The Associated’s Annual Campaign, you can help support these services and ensure that individuals and families in Jewish Baltimore who are struggling financially can get the support and resources they need to get back on their feet. Go to associated.org/give.
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