Just as the daffodils and tulips in spring signal new beginnings, April is a great time to renew your efforts to become financially resilient. Being financially resilient can help you bounce back from unexpected emergencies, such as pandemic-related money challenges and being prepared for and recovering from natural disasters.

Throughout April, FEMA, in partnership with the Financial Literacy and Education Commission (FLEC), is celebrating National Financial Capability Month. 

Here are some tips to get you on the right path:

1. Gather all your financial information at your fingertips so it’s ready when you need it. Take time to organize and safeguard financial documents now in waterproof, airtight, and fireproof containers. The Emergency Financial First Aid Kit (EFFAK) has handy forms and checklists that will help you organize your financial information. New animations about the EFFAK like the one in this article can help you get started. 
2. Make sure you have the right insurance to protect your home so that you can repair your home and other property, if it is damaged during a disaster. Review your policy to ensure the amount and types of coverage meet the requirements for all possible hazards. Homeowners insurance does not typically cover flooding, so check if your home is in a flood zone to see if you may need flood insurance. If so, check out the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to find out how you can be covered. 
3. Be wary of identity theft scams, especially those surrounding COVID-19 and tax filing. Do not click on links in texts or emails from people you don’t know. Scammers can create fake links to websites and may try to take advantage of financial fears by calling with remote work opportunities, debt consolidation offers, and student loan repayment plans. The Federal Trade Commission offers additional help in identifying scams.

Visit ready.gov/financial-preparedness for more information and resources

Once again, the people and organizations that call Hancock County home have pulled together to make things happen for the people of the county.

Temporarily, Hancock Hope House will make their facilities available for overnight shelter during the upcoming polar vortex. See details below:
Winter Emergency Shelter

• Person(s) seeking shelter will check in at Hope House office door.
• Hope House staff will do background checks (approx. 30 minute response).
  • If they meet Hope House background requirements they will be allowed to stay. 
    • All temporary residents will be sleeping in the family living room. 
    • If they are not eligible for shelter within Hope House, the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department will provide rides to Wheeler Mission. 
• Person(s) admitted to Hope House under Winter Contingency…
  • Overnight Hours
    • Monday through Friday – 7:00pm to 8:00am
    • Day time warmth can be sought at the Greenfield Library.
    • Weekends – Hours will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
  • Men will be permitted to use the restrooms and showers in the Men’s Dorm and women will be permitted to use the restrooms and showers in the Women’s Wing.
  • Guests can help themselves to the food in the pantry. 
  • It is expected that guests adhere to general program rules.
    • Be and remain drug and alcohol free.
    • Lights out is 11pm.
    • General cleaning of use of facilities (especially bathroom and kitchen areas).
    • No drugs or alcohol will be permitted. 
    • Please smoke more than 25 feet from the door. 

Hancock County COAD is close to having other options available as well. Watch for future announcements. Thank you to everyone who has expressed concern, prayed oveer the effort and helped make this happen.

Hancock County COAD team
www.HancockCOAD.org

Salvation Army Hancock County team
www.SalArmyHancock.org