When a call comes into the Manheim Churches Assistance Fund, the caller is met with these words: How can we help? The fund, administered by the Manheim Ministerial Association, provides up to $250 per year per household to any resident of the Manheim Central School District who needs help with necessities, including rent, utilities or heating fuel.

Now the fund could use community help. The fund currently has a negative balance, said John Laughlin, pastor of Salem United Methodist Church, a member of the Ministerial Association, adding that the group has given away more than $12,000 so far in 2022.

The fund counts on contributions from area churches as well as individuals, businesses and organizations. In the first half of 2022, the Manheim Ministerial Association fielded 130 calls, aiding 72 individuals and families. Both of those numbers represent an increase for the same time period of 2021. Money for groceries is the top need, followed by funding for rent or security deposits.

The Manheim Ministerial Association has been around since the 1950s, Laughlin said, and it is made up of churches in the Manheim Central School District region. Faith-based nonprofits are also part of the group.

Originally, the assistance fund gave $150 per recipient annually, but that number was increased recently to meet rising needs. "If we could, we'd love to increase how much we give even more," Laughlin said. "There is a real need for this."

He encouraged people who need help to call and request it, and he emphasized that people who donate to the fund are making a difference in the community. "If individuals or businesses want to make contributions, we would welcome them," he said. "It's great for people who are looking for some place they can trust when they make a donation. You can trust that we will use 100% of the funds given to support people in the community."

Bill Melone, who recently retired as community care pastor of Manheim Brethren in Christ Church, had been overseeing calls and requests for help. With his retirement, the day-to-day management of assistance will be handled by Love INC of Lancaster County, a nonprofit network of churches throughout the county. With the addition of Love INC, the ministerium hopes to expand programming to include preventative programs such as budget counseling.

"The nice thing about this fund is that it's open to any Manheim Central School District resident. That's the only requirement," Melone said. "We don't vet for income level. If somebody calls and needs assistance, it's available to them."

He noted that if a caller has a need that is not covered by the fund, he or she will be directed to additional resources such as the Manheim Central Food Bank, which falls under the Manheim Ministerial Association umbrella, or 211, a number for the United Way.

To donate to the assistance fund, call Salem United Methodist Church at 717-665-2331 or email the Manheim Ministerial Association at info@manheimchurches.org. To request financial assistance, call Love INC at 717-735-7540.