Over the years, the Crookston Area Ministers saw to it that a fund was in place to assist those in the community with short term emergency needs. Requests were usually for things like grocery cards, gas vouchers, bus tickets, etc. The fund is administered by staff at the Care and Share in Crookston. When a minister would get a request, they would refer people to the Care and Share where a social worker was able to evaluate needs and direct them to available resources.
In recent years, the Crookston Area Ministers no longer meet and requests for assistance have depleted the fund to near zero. In an effort to replenish this fund and maintain a steady revenue for the future, a few people have come together to promote the need for this fund and to encourage churches, organizations, groups, and individuals to support this particular ministry need.
Father Vincent Miller, Rev. Michelle Miller, and Rev. Gregory Isaacson have named this the Emergency Assistance Fund. Their goal is to get churches and any other organizations to include the Emergency Assistance Fund as a line item in their annual and/or monthly budgets. They also encourage groups to host an event where the proceeds would go to supply this fund with additional revenue as needs fluctuate throughout any given year. The Emergency Assistance Fund is separate from the general operating needs of the Care and Share.
People can give through their churches. Donations can be mailed to Care and Share, 220 E. 3rd St., Crookston, Minnesota, 56716. Please indicate proceeds to The Emergency Assistance Fund.
