The key to helping people hit hard by tough economic times is to help them eat today and then to help them provide for themselves tomorrow.

That’s according to Pacific Area Welfare Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Steve Stebbings. He also says that teaching basic welfare principles and practices not only fosters self-reliance, it also preserves the dignity of the person being helped.

“I have seen families living on the poverty line, or below. And after they have been shown how to maintain a family budget and given a chance to develop some educational and job skills, the transformation has been amazing.”

But the most important part of the process, for Stebbings, is instilling in people “a hope that it is possible.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches its members that the responsibility for each person’s social, emotional, spiritual, physical, or economic well-being rests first upon himself or herself, second upon his or her family, and third upon the Church.

“When we accept the responsibility for our own and our family’s wellbeing, we are better able to sustain ourselves in our everyday lives and are in a better position to help others,” says Stebbings.

“There will be times in our lives when we will not be able to meet our needs without the help of others. In these circumstances, we should turn first to our families for help. If necessary, we can also turn to the Church.”

Stebbings says that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints helps provide basic necessities for those who are struggling through a trying economy or with other financial challenges.

“The Church welfare program is a unique system that provides temporary relief while helping people to become self-reliant. Those in need can counsel with their bishop (local congregational leader) and discuss their individual needs.

“Then, if necessary, arrangements can be made to obtain food to help relieve financial burdens temporarily. Recipients of this assistance are often invited to provide acts of service to others in need.”

The Latter-day Saints run employment centres in many countries of the Pacific for members of the Church and others who seek educational, employment and self employment advice and support. Individuals are assisted as they learn new skills and gain knowledge that will increase their employment prospects.

The Boston Globe newspaper recently ran a story outlining some of the ways Latter-day Saints reach out to those struggling to make ends meet. To read the full story go here.