MEMPHIS, Tenn. — For some Memphians, bills are piling up after the recent brutal winter storm that hit the Mid-South, and many are calling on the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association to help.
WREG spoke with MIFA leaders who say they help Memphians in crisis, but now the demand is so large they are receiving 80 applicants a day.
“Boil your water,” “Turn up your thermostat,” “Stock up on food,” and “Stay home” were all instructions from leaders as recent winter weather brought treacherous travel conditions and dangerous cold to the Midsouth.
For those barely making ends meet, Mary Hamlett with MIFA says this will be the crisis that leads them to MIFA’s website.
“It doesn’t take a lot in this economy to have scales tip for any of us,” said Hamlett.
Seniors receive hot meals, gifts from MIFA
WREG was there last month as seniors got hot meals and gifts from MIFA, one way the nonprofit helps those in need across the city.
Now, Hamlett says the average assistance amount has gone from $460 to almost $700, leading to more applications and fewer funds to help.