The majority of assistance that LAM provided in 2011 was rental assistance.  We helped over 600 households with eviction assistance or deposit assistance.  LAM is one of the few resources for rental assistance in our community.

The other focus of LAM funding is prescription assistance.  Many times a new medication is an unexpected expense that can strain already tight finances and families are forced to chose between getting the medication they desperately need and paying rent or buying food.  LAM assisted over 50 households with prescription assistance.

Our counselors were also able to help almost 100 households with emergency hotel vouchers, shelter fees and other assistance.  Although this is a small percentage of the financial assistance we provide, it is perhaps the most important.  Many agencies have restrictions on their funding that prohibits them from providing assistance that is not in their guidelines, even when there is genuine need.  LAM’s unrestricted funding allows our counselors to help those families.

In addition to the almost $32,000 in financial assistance we provided in 2011, one of the most important aspects of the program is the hospitality that is offered when people come in to request help.  They are welcomed into St Paul by volunteers with a meal and a listening ear.