The Official Modest Needs Blog

Modest Needs via RSS: Make it Super Easy to Give

We're busy. I'm busy. You're busy. Busy is what many of us thrive on. Sudden changes in plans, babysitter cancels, dinner catches on fire. These things happen. So, it's no surprise when our intentions to help others sometimes get pushed to the back burner.

Well, why not make it extra easy to help someone in need? If you use an RSS reader, as many do, to bring your favorite headlines, blog posts, news articles and images straight to you in one stream, then you should know that Modest Needs offers an RSS feed of recently approved applications ready to recieve donations.

All you have to do is subscribe to see new requests for help each day when you open your reader, so that you can read and recommend donations for pleas that speak directly to you.

Add the Modest Needs new applications feed to your RSS reader today, and make it even more simple to change a life for the better.

[Image courtesy of Jon E. Eguiluz]

Application of the Day: Pay Up or Extreme Pain

Pay up or be in extreme pain. That is the challenge our Applicant of the Day faces:

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my insurance has stopped covering my every 7 week infusion costs. I am a retired elderly woman who is on a fixed income and can't afford the cost of this needed infusion.

As someone with RA, the pain and discomfort I experience without these infusions is extremely painful and taxing. It would be so kind to have some assistance so I can get relief from this disease and be somewhat pain free. Thank you for your help!

You can help this applicant with her difficult situation by giving. Any amount will make a huge difference for this individual.

Unemployment is "Devastating"

So very many of the requests for help at Modest Needs come from those who have lost their jobs. But with unemployment numbers breaking records, it can be difficult to remember the toll that takes on each and every life.

Here's a sobering reminder:

Application of the Day: Navy Widow Trying To Get Back on her Feet

Sadly, the tale from our Applicant of the Day is told far, far too often:

My husband was a nuclear welder for the Navy. He was exposed to radiation twice and both times the accidents were covered up and not reported. As a result, when he got pancreatic cancer and ultimately died, the VA system denied all claims for financial assistance.

We had both worked hard, built a business and a home for family and in just 8 months, we lost everything. I took care of him best I could, selling off everything without a second thought, just to keep a roof over our heads and get his medications and so on. Now, two years later, my son (16) and I are going it alone, working hard to get him a good education so he can have a better life.

Recently, someone stole all four wheels off my car and left us with no transportation. I have an opportunity, finally, to get back to work and now, no way to get there. If we lived anywhere near the buses, I would make it but we live in a very rural area where rent is more affordable and depend on the school bus for my son but no other means of transportation is available.

You can help this resilient single mother get back on the road and back on her feet.

Set to Expire: Read Their Stories, Change Their Lives

Below is a list of requests at Modest Needs that will expire at the end of this month. Thinking of changing a life? One of these needs just might fit the bill.

1. Family Needs Help with Mortgage
2. Need Help with Rent
3. New College Grad Just Found A Job
4. Aqua Therapy for Rehabilitation
5. Major Surgeries, Need Rental Help
6. Starting Work Need Rent Help
7. Just Started Work, Facing Eviction
8. Rent Help - Back To Work
9. Rent - Young Attorney Starting Out

[Photo by Matt MacGillivray]

Application of the Day: Fighting for Social Security

When you become disabled, it can take a very long time to recieve disability benefits. Sometimes you even have to fight for them, like our Applicants of the Day:

My husband became disabled last December and had to retire from his job as a truck driver. He is losing the feelings in his hands and feet. We have applied for disability Social Security but have been turned down the first time. We have requested a hearing. This all takes a long time.

We have had to buy so much medicine in February, some prescriptions costing as high as $300, and in conjunction with high natural gas bills this winter, we have gotten behind in our mortgage payment. My job has cut back and I am now only working 12 per week at a minimum wage job. We could use the help to get back on our feet while we fight for the Social Security. Thank you.

You can help this couple keep their home.

Big Banking Making Money from Food Stamps

During the seemingly incessant economic recession, more and more of the country's working poor have had to turn to food stamps and federal aid to survive. One thing that may surprise you, however, is how one lucrative banking company is making a killing by processing food stamp transactions for the poor. Watch and see:

After seeing the above video, what is your take? Let us hear from you below.

Application of the Day: Under 30 with Breast Cancer

The Applicant of the Day is a woman in her 20s who is battling breast cancer and unemployment at the same time:

Hello out there. I'm in my 20s and I'm currently being treated for breast cancer. I was able to maintain a part time job until we were all let go due to lack of work. Finding a new job is hard enough these days with this economy, but my treatment schedule has made it extremely difficult (not to mention the side effects). My unemployment checks are next to nothing. I am not eligible for disability because my condition is expected to get better.

Needless to say, stressing about my bills isn't the best aid for my recovery. Unfortunately, I find myself always playing 'catch up' on all of them, especially my rent.

I'm blessed to be one of the lucky ones. I have age on my side. I have God on my side. I just need to keep a roof over my head. Here's hoping someone can help. Thanks and God bless.

You can help this young lady with a resilient attitude by visiting this link.

Look Ma, We're On TV!

Radio? Magazines? Newspapers? TV?

Yeah: We've done that.

Check out our archived media page to take a look back at video and print stories about what we do here at Modest Needs every day.

The Today Show, CNN, Fox News, O Magazine--they are all there. Take a quick look at how far we've come.

Application of the Day: Elderly Widow Swamped with High Bills

The Application of the Day was written by the daughter of an 83-year-old widow who recieved unexpectedly high energy bills in addition to needing to replace her hot water heater. On her meager income, these unexpected bills are impossible to pay:

I filled this application out for my mom, who is an 83-year-old widow with multiple medical problems. Due to cold winter months,(heats with electric and gas) she incurred a large light bill and a large gas bill as well and just found out yesterday that she needs to replace hot water heater, which will be probably over $400.00. Any assistance that can be given will be greatly appreciated. My mom has a monthly fixed income from retirement and Social Security and is unable to afford the large spikes in service. Thank you.

To assist this applicant, just click this link.