Caring About What Matters . . .

Paul and Jane moved to Williamsburg a few years ago and started a small business. They never had the need for assistance before their business failed. There was no other source of income; no savings and no family to be there for them. With the bills quickly pilling up, they turned to HIP for assistance so they could remain in their home. HIP referred them to the Salvation Army for further assistance. Their electricity was about to be cut off because they had not been able to pay it since their income dried up. The Salvation Army paid for their electricity and gave them food to help them survive during this time of need. We connected them with the Department of Social Services in order to receive Food Stamps and also with a Child Care provider with some job openings.

The Wood Family was suffering because a dreadful disease was affecting the breadwinner of the household. With some help from other neighbors and the occasional return to work the family was able to survive for a short time. Soon the amount of money owed was too much to ignore. The United Way of Greater Williamsburg Information & Referral office referred them to the Salvation Army who paid for their large electricity Bill (in excess of seven hundred dollars). We also provided food and diapers.  When the children needed to return to school, the Salvation Army provided them with basic school supplies to start the year on the right track. Almost a year after the initial contact was made with this Wood family, they were still having trouble making ends meet. The Salvation Army once again assisted them this time paying for their water/sewer utility bills. We also connected them with HIP to receive assistance with rent.

Jim came to us seeking a place to stay. He had just been promised a job in this area but had no money to pay for his residence. He had no family or friends in the community who could let him stay in their home until he was able to pay for his own place. The Salvation Army arranged for him to stay at a local motel for a week until he received his paycheck. We also assisted him with food to get him through the week. He soon began getting paid and this was enough to pay his own lodging and food. A generous donor made a vehicle available for him to use to get to his job. This greatly increased his range of opportunities as he could respond to more requests from his employer. Within six months he was able to assist others in his motel by giving them rides to their jobs and places of business. 

Please visit our Donations Section to find out how to contribute to the United Way of Greater Williamsburg.