BORN AGAIN DAILY · PRINT-FRIENDLY DISCUSSION WORKSHEET

When Food, Rent or Utilities Are at Risk

Start with the next 24 hours: the essentials needed to keep people fed, sheltered and safe. Financial hardship deserves practical responses, not lectures.

Start the conversation

Write down what must be protected today: food, shelter, water, power for medical needs, medication, transport and child care. Separate urgent needs from bills that can be negotiated.

Practical next steps

Call 211 where available, or use its national resource directory to identify food pantries, emergency shelters, rental aid, and utility assistance in your area. Ask each provider about eligibility and hours before traveling.
Use the USAGov Benefit Finder to check food, housing, disability, and unemployment options. Keep application numbers and deadlines in one safe place; government programs vary by state.
Call the utility or landlord before a deadline, explain what you can pay, and ask in writing about hardship programs, repayment arrangements or a pause while you apply for aid. Do not promise an amount you cannot pay.
If you have a medical device or temperature-sensitive medicine, tell the utility about the medical need and ask what protections or emergency arrangements may exist; do not assume disconnection is automatically prohibited.

Read Scripture with the group

Matthew 6:31-34 — Jesus addresses anxiety about food and clothing, not a prohibition against asking other people for help.
James 2:15-17 — The letter challenges faith that speaks kindly but does nothing to meet concrete needs.

Discuss and respond

What single phone call today could protect an essential need? Who can help you make it or sit with you while you call?

Important: A ministry cannot promise money, housing, or utility reinstatement. State-specific eligibility and deadlines should be verified with providers.