With our country in the middle of an economic recession, there are probably many around you that are struggling financially. Perhaps there are folks just down the street that are having trouble making ends meet. They could sure use a helping hand, and who better to reach out and offer assistance than someone in their own neighborhood? While you may not have the resources to help everyone, there are some creative ways to offer financial help to your neighbors, without causing them embarrassment or discomfort.
The newspapers are full of short sales and foreclosures and someone on your own street just might be among them. Large companies that have anchored our economy for several decades are closing their doors and leaving hundreds of people without jobs. Perhaps you know an individual living close by who is out of work. These are opportunities to lend a financial hand.
If your family has been blessed with the resources necessary to preserve it through this time of economic instability, then you have the opportunity to share some of what you have with others. And what is that old adage, "charity begins at home?" Home can be your own neighborhood.
*Get to Know Your Neighbors*
The first step in finding ways to help neighbors who are struggling financially is to get to know your neighbors. People who are experiencing any kind of difficulty find it much easier to accept the support of those who seem to genuinely care. Caring begins with taking the time to be a friend while getting to know the individual needs of those who live just down the street.
*Be Discreet and Help Neighbors Save Face*
How can you share your resources with your neighbors without insulting or embarrassing them? In the Chinese culture great emphasis is placed on always remembering, in every situation, to help others save face. An old Chinese proverb reads, "You don't need to use a hatchet to remove a fly from a man's face." In other words, there are some activities in life that require more finesse than others. Assisting a neighbor who has too much pride to simply accept a helping hand, is certainly one of those activities. So, how can you help a neighbor financially, and at the same time, help him save face?
*Give a Financial Gift Anonymously*
One of the easiest approaches might be to give a financial gift secretly so that the neighbor has no idea that it has come from you. It is almost impossible to refuse an anonymous gift. When you don't have a clue who the sender is, how can you give it back? There's no need for embarrassment because the recipient never faces the giver.
*Hire Neighbors For Repairs, Odd Jobs, and Special Projects*
Another way to help someone around you who is in financial straits might be to pay him a visit and just casually mention that you are looking for someone who can help you with some repairs, lawn work, or some other project that you can determine will be the catalyst between your neighbor's need and your assistance. By mentioning that you intend to pay for services rendered, you give your neighbor the opportunity to work for the money that he may desperately need. He retains his dignity and you get to bless him by setting the hourly wage that you are willing to pay.
If you know that a neighbor who is in financial trouble has a particular skill, give him a call and hire him to use it. Maybe you need a new deck and the guy down the street, who is out of a job, is a carpenter. Hire him to build your deck. Spread the word to other neighbors and suggest that they consider hiring him for jobs as well.
*Ask a Neighbor to Take Surplus off Your Hands*
Sometimes financial needs can be met by supplying items that you know would have to be purchased. In this case, you might show up on a neighbor's doorstep and announce that your vegetable garden is producing way too much produce for your family to consume. You hate waste and are hoping that your neighbor will take some of the surplus off your hands before it goes bad. Your neighbor ends up believing that he is doing you a good turn and only you know what you are really doing is helping to meet his need.
*Ask a Neighbor Not to Rob You of a Blessing by Refusing the Gift*
If you have a neighbor who just refuses to accept any help, calling it "charity", try telling him that by his refusing your help, he is robbing you of the blessing of giving. Put in this light, who wants to let their pride be the roadblock that prevents others from receiving good fortune.
*Give Through a Civic Organization or Local Church*
Going through a civic organization or local church is a good way to help out with financial needs of others around you. Individuals in need might find it less embarrassing to receive from an organization than from an individual.
*Anonymously Pay a Neighbor's Creditor*
Perhaps a financially strapped neighbor has a large unpaid hospital bill. Drop by the financial office and make a payment on the bill. Your neighbor will never know who paid it, but he'll secretly be very relieved.
*Drop off Prepared Foods and/or Canned Goods as an Act of Neighborly Friendship*
There are ways to provide financial help without involving money. Dropping off a casserole or dessert can be done without embarrassment by simply saying that you are just being a good neighbor. If you're baking, make an extra pie and take it to a neighbor's house. If you want to leave prepared food without your neighbor knowing, put it on the doorstep and then ring the bell as you walk away. Imagine your neighbor's surprise when he finds dinner waiting at the door.
*Start a Neighborhood Goods Exchange Program to Benefit Everyone. *
Challenge the entire neighborhood to work together to help everyone's finances stretch. Organize supper block parties and send the leftovers home with someone you know really needs them. Start a clothing closet where parents can drop off the things that their children have outgrown and pick up items they need. Stress that only clean clothing in good condition should be donated.
*Offer to Loan With Low Interest*
Sometimes an individual is just not willing to accept financial help in the form of a gift. When that is the case, how about offering to lend the money? If he still objects, suggest that you agree upon a certain amount of low interest that can be paid when the loan is repaid. This allows the receiver to save face, while getting the money needed for unpaid bills or groceries.
Helping your neighbors will not only benefit them, but you as well. When you give to others, especially your neighbors, you end up investing in the good of the entire neighborhood. The act of giving opens the heart to new opportunities for friendship and makes a good neighborhood into a really great one! So, go ahead! Be a good neighbor by helping to meet the financial needs of those around you. Don't be surprised when you end up wanting to give even more.