Appendix A, continued
Standard Operating Policies
•Food Distribution
•
•Shelter
•
•Meals for members
•
•No loans
•
•Anonymous gifts
•Tuition assistance?
•
•No phone bills
•
•Work required?
•
•Voucher policies
•
•No cash
Standard Operating Procedure:
1.  Food distribution: Some churches have food pantries, some are in a Food Bank system where vouchers are used.   Food is the easiest thing to give.   How you give food is important.  Even drunks can be fed a meal, but it is not wise to give them bagged groceries or something they can sell to get another drink or drugs.  If possible have Deacons take groceries to people’s homes.
2. Families are encouraged to take people in for housing, especially if there is no security threat.   Deacons can supplement households that host guests.  Shelters, missions, and hotels can be used based on need, convenience, and strategy of the Deacons.
3. Meals should be arranged for the sick, or homes with new babies.  WIC (Women in the Church) should be coordinated with for this ministry.
4.  Deacons should never give loans only gifts.  Loans make poor people resent the loaner, since they struggle to repay.  Pay back can go into general offering.
5.  Anonymous gifts are encouraged, but according to IRS guidelines.
6.  Generally, tuition will not be a Deacons priority.  Set up separate ministry.
7. Phone bills are not a priority, unless for someone disabled, or home bound.
8.  Cash grants are to be avoided.  Checks to landlords or utilities are safer.
9.  It is good to offer work to people, especially single, healthy adults.