MUST Ministries assistance programs.
Combining both limited financial support and case management, the non-profit MUST Ministries administers services for the working poor. Basic needs, such as groceries, can be provided by a free food pantry on site, and the agency may also help people apply for government grants for paying certain living expenses. More information on the resources in Cobb and Cherokee County are below.
Emergency/Crisis Assistance is available to low income eligible applicants who have a source of income, but are in danger of eviction or having their power cut off. The program can also coordinate basic medical needs, such as prescription drug vouchers.
MUST Ministries funds can be used to pay up to 1 month of back or current rent. There may also be grants for a portion of energy bills. While not common, some people may receive assistance with security deposits. When applying, the applicant must have an eviction notice from their landlord or a disconnect notice from their utility or water company. These funds from the non-profit can also be used for paying water bills and non-narcotic prescription medications on an emergency basis. All aid is first come and served, and applications are taken year round as funding allows.
Appointments are needed, and the MUST hours subject to change without notice. Anyone seeking help should call to verify both funding available as well as hours prior to arrival. Other types of emergency aid from MUST Ministries can be as follows, based on an assessment done by staff at the agency.
- Transportation, such as bus basses to work.
- Referrals to loan products if no government grants are available.
- Assistance in documentation such as an ID.
- Vouchers for Eye Glasses with partners such as Lions Club. The applicant must have a prescription.
- Public benefits applications, such as SSD/SSI, food stamps, and more.
- Short term shelter can be arranged in Marietta Georgia.
Any type of financial aid is combined with case management to address the cause of the hardship. A holistic approach is taken on this, and employment as well as budgeting are key components. Another focus is on ensuring the client has a job that can allow them to provide for their household.
To this end, the career counseling center was designed to help. They offer solutions to the under and unemployed, and there are workshops that can help people gain computer skills or search for jobs in Cobb County. This will help them improve their chance in the job market. Participants of these classes will also be able to attend classes where they will learn computer skills, create resumes, learn etiquette, as well as touch up on job interviewing skills.
Basic needs from MUST Ministries
There are a few options. These depend on donations from the community, such as churches and volunteers. Some of the items that may be available are as follows.
Students from low income families can apply to the School Supply Program. Qualifying students as well as teenagers will receive clothing, a backpack filled with supplies, or uniforms that may be required by their teacher.
Several other resources are offered, as funding allows. MUST will try to provide support when possible. Or if that is not an option, then referrals are given. They include the following:
- MUST Ministries pantry can pass out free bags of food and groceries.
- A regional meals on wheels service will bring hot, low cost meals to senior citizens and the disabled in Cobb County.
- Free Christmas assistance, ranging from hot meals to small presents for children.
- Volunteers from MUST serve Thanksgiving meals in both Cherokee and the Cobb County area.
To donate to any of those basic need programs, residents can call MUST Ministries. Volunteers are also needed to sort packages or work in the pantry or soup kitchen, so more help is always needed. The programs provide a great way to give back to the region.
When seeking any support, an extensive application process is in place. The applicant will also need proof of their hardship and financial situation. They should bring a copy of ID for all household members, proof of income, expenses, and assets. An interview process will also take place before any assistance is provided by MUST.
All funds are limited as well. If the agency can't help, then they will try to offer referrals. For more details, call MUST Ministries or stop by. there are three main offices.
- 1407 Cobb Parkway NW, Marietta, GA, call 770-427-9862
- 111 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, Georgia, telephone 770-479-5397
- 460 Pat Mell Road, Smyrna GA, 30080, 770-436-9514
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