Assistance Ministry

Reasons People Require Assistance:

Unskilled and/or seasonal laborers whose jobs shrink or dry up during the cold, winter months.They and their families need a little help until warm weather breaks and work is more plentiful.
Women (and a few men) who, because of family break-ups and divorce, suffer financial hardships-often severe and ongoing for a considerable time. It is not uncommon to have a mother with children come in who is in shock because her husband left her and the children unexpectedly with upcoming rents and utilities threatening further hardships.
Older individuals and married couples trying to live on social security that may have an event such as an accident or fire that creates special needs for them. Sometimes, they simply do not have sufficient retirement income to meet expenses and needs at this time in their lives. (This is a significant group in size).
People who are out of work or in between jobs, often due to illness, surgeries and accidents. Two accident victims in the first quarter of '05 were left permanently disables. They'd had good jobs.
Individuals who are physically and/or mentally handicapped and may be waiting on SSI applications.
Young couples who have not acquired enough education to earn a sufficient income to run a household-but have decided to marry or live together anyway.

You Helped!

There was a young woman who was sick of an immoral life as a "dancer" and came for help. YOU HELPED!
A real good neighbor brought in his handicapped neighbor for him to get help with food and furniture. YOU HELPED!
A man who had had a good job was severely injured in an accident, losing his means of income and needed a few things to try a new way to support himself. YOU HELPED!
A young man and his girlfriend came for help and we asked them if they'd ever heard the gospel or about what it means to be saved, they replied that they hadn't but that they would like to know. After hearing about Jesus, repentance and reading and obeying God's instructions as explained in the Bible, they both said they wanted to pray the sinners' prayer-and did. YOU HELPED!

Our Programs

Geno's Cafeteria
Serving free meals to the community.
Breakfast: Saturday morning only (8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.)
Lunch: Monday - Saturday (11 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
Dinner: Monday - Friday (4 p.m. - 5 p.m.)

Thrift Store
The store offers a low-cost alternative to the community by providing clothing, appliances, shoes, books, electronic equipment, furniture and household items such as dishes, linens, etc. at very reasonable prices. The thrift store is located at 1911 S. Walnut, and the hours are 10am to 8pm, Monday through Saturday. Drop hours are 10am to 8pm, Monday through Saturday.

Food Pantry
Assistance is given to individuals in destitute situations within our community (Monroe and surrounding counties). Illness, disabilities, recent marital break-ups, unemployment, low-paying jobs without benefits are some of the contributing factors that cause individuals to seek help. Retired and elderly living on fixed incomes also comprise a significant need group. Individuals whose homes have been burnt-out also may receive help as well as those living on the streets.

Job Search
We assist with the preparation of resumes and other job related materials. We maintain lists of available jobs. We provide advice on the process of getting and keeping a job.

Other Cases
Backstreet Missions, Inc makes it a priority to help those who want to help themselves. While we do have general guidelines, each case is given thoughtful consideration based on the existing situation. We also work with others in the community to provide these needs.