Since 2003, Spalding Samaritans has been providing emergency assistance to Spalding County residents who need help paying a utility bill. We serve those living on the edge of poverty — particularly senior citizens, those on fixed incomes, those who have lost their job, and those who cannot work. Often, we encounter the working poor who must balance multiple jobs to try to provide for their families. Many times, our applicants are days, sometimes hours, away from having their utility service disconnected.

Volunteers accept applications twice a month, on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. in the Community Room at the back of the Southside Medical Center (next door to Five Loaves and Two Fish Food Pantry). Each applicant must be a Spalding County resident who has an unpaid utility bill. In addition to completing basic paperwork, each applicant speaks with one of our interviewers. This process gives us the opportunity to hear the story behind the request for assistance and to provide basic budgeting counsel. Those individuals who receive help with a utility bill may return again after 13 months. In this way, we can help more people and underscore the principle of providing emergency assistance.

Linda, one of the Spalding Samaritan volunteers, shared this story about an individual (the name has been changed) they served. Agnes was in the line of applicants seeking assistance.  Her information was completed and she was ready to be seen.  When one of the directors walked her to my table, she eagerly took a chair and began asking what else she needed to do.  The process of intake was explained to her, and we began.  We completed the budget part and discussed the gap between her income and expenses.  She explained that her husband had been laid off for two months and had not worked.  He had just located another job as a truck driver who made long hauls.  The new job necessitated a move so they decided to settle in Griffin so that Agnes could help her ailing mother more.  

Agnes stated that they were unable to pay their utilities due to connection fees and service costs with the move to Griffin.  Rent was also more expensive.  I explained to her that once assistance is provided that the applicant cannot apply again for 13 months.  I asked her what they would do to pay their utility costs for the next months.  

She stated that her husband was a hard worker.  She wanted to help him pay bills.  For herself, she planned to find a job, but first she would need to renew her CNA certificate.  She provided home care visits for senior citizens under VA care.   They were awarded money plus much encouragement by Spalding Samaritans to help them to have a new start in Griffin.

Two weeks later I heard from her again.  She was trying to reach me to show me her CNA certificate that had been renewed. She also told me proudly that she had found a part-time job.  I told her about the new VA facility that was in Zebulon and how to find it.  I also told her that the local VA office in Griffin may be able to help her get re-established.  She left excited.  I knew in my heart that the couple would make it going forth.  They were giving their best effort to become independent, successful citizens!  

A story from Lisa: Spending time with our clients is truly humbling. I’m reminded of a young man with an intellectual disability who was determined to keep the apartment he’d shared with his late mother. Unable to work or drive, he sold his plasma every five days just to cover his rent and bills. Moments like these at Spalding Samaritans remind us that we can be the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. 

A story from Rick: While Charlotte has volunteered with Spalding Samaritans for a couple of years, I only recently “joined up.” Even in that short time, it has been a very rewarding experience. While all the folks I’ve interviewed have touched my heart, one in particular stands out. In early March, an elderly man I’ll call John came to my table. John was a severely wounded Vietnam veteran; his wounds were such that he hasn’t been able to work since he returned, so long ago. His sole sources of income were VA disability and nominal SSI. The bitterly cold weather we had this past winter resulted in his electric bill being three times its usual amount, and he couldn’t pay all of it.  But John was a proud man, and he said right away that he hated asking for help. I reassured him that it was okay, that we all need help from time to time. I admit that I choked up: here was this decent and humble man who had served his country, had asked nothing in return, but was reluctant to ask for assistance. I’m so glad and grateful that Spalding Samaritans was able to help John…and so many others, too. And I’m so glad and grateful that our good church is a leader in this vital mission. 

A story from Mary Beth: After I retired in 2019, I spent a few months thinking and praying about how I could serve in our community.  I was drawn to Spalding Samaritans, partly because I had heard my friend Linda Caldwell talk about how much her husband Bobby loved working with Samaritans.  My first intake day confirmed that this was an organization I wanted to invest myself in.  Nearly 7 years later, I see even more clearly how needed this ministry is.