Support Your Neighbors: Get Involved with People for People

The People for People Fund is an incredible organization dedicated to assisting employed individuals who encounter unexpected financial difficulties. Nolly Climes and MarsiClark, who are deeply involved with the fund—Nolly as the president of the board and Marsi as the executive director—highlight the essential support the fund provides. Since its inception in 1985, initiated by the Times Herald Record and the Junior League of Orange County, the fund has offered a critical financial lifeline, distributing grants that typically do not exceed a thousand dollars. These are not ongoing supports but one-time interventions to help recipients overcome temporary financial setbacks.

Marsi explains, "It's not ongoing assistance. It's one-time assistance to get them over a little bump in the road and back to being self-supporting." This approach ensures that the aid provided is both immediate and impactful, addressing needs such as car repairs, medical co-pays, or essential household bills that, if left unpaid, could lead to greater financial distress.

The fund primarily aids those in Orange, Sullivan, and Ulster counties in New York, with the clear criteria that applicants must be employed and facing a temporary financial challenge due to unforeseen circumstances. The application process is straightforward, accessible either online through their website, peopleforpeoplefund.org, or by a more traditional mail-in form for those without internet access. Potential applicants or donors can also contact the fund via phone at 845-343-1663 for more information or assistance.

The People for People Fund underscores a community-centric model of support, where funds raised locally are used to assist local residents, embodying the principle of neighbors helping neighbors. This ensures that all contributions directly impact the lives of individuals within the community, fostering a spirit of mutual aid and support.

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