The Role of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in Supporting the Needy

Often unrecognized, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), commonly known as the Mormon Church, plays a significant role in providing support and aid to its members and non-members who are in need. This support extends to a variety of necessities, demonstrating the Church's commitment to humanitarianism and community welfare.

Multi-Faceted Support Initiatives

The Church offers a range of services to help members and non-members deal with financial and personal crises. These include, but are not limited to, assistance with housing payments, utility bills, obtaining food, securing transportation, and accessing medical care. The Church's efforts are not limited to members alone as it supports non-members as well, reflecting its broader humanitarian mission.

Fostering Self-Reliance and Independence

One of the key aspects of the Church's support is fostering self-reliance among its members. This is particularly evident in their educational programs, which provide affordable and accessible options for those who seek to better themselves. For instance, the BYU Pathways program has helped many individuals, including the author's daughter-in-law and two daughters, to complete their college degrees. The Church's Perpetual Education Fund further aids in this mission by providing financial support to individuals from all around the world.

Self-reliance education goes beyond just financial assistance. The Church also offers programs that teach job-seeking skills, financial management, and networking opportunities. These programs are aimed at helping individuals not only to survive but to thrive and become self-sufficient. For example, when the author suffered a severe disabling accident, the Church provided assistance with food, necessities, rent, and utilities, all of which were meant to help until he could get back on his feet.

Hand-Up, Not Hand-Out philosophy

A fundamental principle that guides the Church's philanthropic efforts is the "hand-up, not hand-out" approach. This principle ensures that those who receive assistance are encouraged to contribute to the community according to their abilities. As an example, the author and his family were asked to contribute by volunteering to clean the church building regularly while receiving food assistance, which helped in preserving their sense of dignity.

Furthermore, Church aid is intended as a temporary measure, not a long-term solution. This ensures that individuals and families are supported until they can become self-sufficient. The Church also teaches the importance of community service and self-reliance, encouraging members to give back to the community.

Educational Opportunities and Community Services

Aside from direct aid, the Church provides numerous educational opportunities that are both affordable and accessible. The BYU Pathways program, for instance, offers distance education and vocational training, helping individuals to gain skills and knowledge that can lead to upward mobility. Additionally, the Church operates various community services that cater to different needs, such as food banks, financial counseling, and job placement services.

The Church's commitment to offering educational opportunities and community services ensures that individuals have access to the tools necessary to achieve self-sufficiency and improve their quality of life. This aligns with the Church's broader goal of fostering a society where individuals are empowered to support themselves and their families.

Conclusion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is deeply committed to providing support and assistance to its members and non-members who are in need. From addressing basic necessities to fostering self-reliance and independence, the Church's efforts reflect its core values of compassion, community service, and education. By offering a combination of direct aid and self-reliance programs, the Church ensures that its support is meaningful and sustainable, contributing to the well-being and self-sufficiency of those it serves.