Thank you so much to everyone who donates to Love I.N.C. with their food, their time, clothing and other items for the New to You Store.  We are blessed with a wonderful community that cares for their neighbors in need.

The following story is a wonderful example of God's care for a woman with assistance from Love I.N.C.

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When L. first came to Love I.N.C. her situation looked very bleak.  Her monthly deficit was more than $700, she was behind in rent for thousands of dollars and her low income was limiting her chances for finding any other housing.  In addition, she has been widowed for about 18 months and her grown daughter, to whom she is very close, was in rehab for drug abuse.  L. was feeling very sad and lonely.  She also seemed overwhelmed by her situation, which, in her own words, was getting, "worse and worse."  She was constantly juggling bills and having late payments, shut-off notices etc.  To make matters even more upsetting, the amount she was receiving in food stamps wasn't enough to last the month.  We pledged food help and possible utility help, but couldn't offer housing assistance because of the lack of sustainability.

Five weeks later, L. called and asked for an appointment because "a lot had changed."  Her employer increased her hours so that she was working full-time, increasing her income by $275 each month.  She found a cheaper place to live, which she can eventually begin to pay by herself.  Because she is full-time, she has benefits and so her medical expenses have decreased by $100.  Her daughter is out of rehab and doing well, and so she no longer has to drive long distances to see her--cutting gasoline expenses in half.  She sold some items to help finance her move into her new place.  She made the decision to get rid of her pets and cut back on smoking which will help her save more money.  L. has made huge strides toward financial stability.  Her main concern at this point is an overdue electric bill.  She has no money to put towards it because she is saving all her money for the first month's rent and security deposit.  Love I.N.C. made the decision to pay the entire electric bill so that L. could start fresh in her new place.

While L. still has rent money she owes her previous landlord, she now has the means to set up a plan to repay that money.  L. is feeling much more positive about her situation, and is very thankful to Love I.N.C. for the assistance she received.

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If you find yourself unable to pay your bills, faced with shut-off notices, no food in the house, and if you live in the Allendale area, please call 895-5683.  We are here to help.