Poverty follows the pauper, states the Talmud (Bava Kama 92a).
Ongoing Support – Daily Revival
Due to various heartrending factors, families may find themselves deeply entrenched in an ongoing cycle of distress which they fail to extricate themselves from. The main ones who suffer from such situations are the children. For such families, the heads of the Birkat Hashem association established the Ongoing Support project.
In the framework of this project, each family is assessed for eligibility for monthly financial support for a given period of time. The heads of the Birkat Hashem association established a careful and professional scale of criteria, ensuring both that the families included in the project are indeed eligible for regular support, and that the assistance is well utilized and adapted to the family's needs.
A limited committee meet periodically to carefully review each case. The family's situation is discreetly assessed and verified, in a way which is highly reliable, while absolutely preserving the family's dignity.
Sometimes the committee decides to help the family directly, though not necessarily by depositing a check into their account:
* By paying their monthly bills - electricity, property tax, etc.
* By giving them vouchers to be used at the local grocery or in supermarkets.
* By providing funding for the professional help required by one of the children.
* And through a variety of other creative methods. The goal is to give in a way that both ensures the donation is wisely and fully utilized; while preserving the family's dignity and confidentiality.
Widows and orphans are treated with particular gentleness and care. Every product or shopping voucher sent to them is lined with infinite love and great admiration for these brave heroes valiantly coping with their difficult circumstances.
Conversely, there are times when even minimal expenses can be overwhelming, whether emotionally or financially. This could occur at times of sorrow, during emergencies or in ongoing situations such as illness or loss of a job. At such times as well, Birkat Hashem stands ready to support and assist with whatever is required for the individual or family to regain their footing and begin rebuilding their lives.