Need in Newton County is greater than ever before, and after giving out $13,700 in aid in August, FaithWorks is temporarily closed.

The organization provides emergency utility or rental assistance to families, but these days many families are living in a constant state of emergency.

FaithWorks will be closed until the first or second week of October, said Executive Director Dennis Cheek, when the organization's regular monthly donations will come through. In addition, a $10,500 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been approved and will provide a shot in the arm, Cheek said.

Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 2971, Covington, GA 30015.

During August, FaithWorks helped out 93 families, and so far in 2011, the organization has helped 503 households - 1,390 people - by providing $75,000 in donations.

This is the first time FaithWorks has had to temporarily close since October 2010.

"I know we're shut down, but the positive thing is we've been in ministry since January 2006, and we continue to see a lot of base support from our churches," Cheek said.
Since it opened, FaithWorks has helped 14,089 people by giving our more than $750,000.

While donations from businesses and individuals have dropped 15 percent, church donations have dropped only 3.5 percent. Cheek said he is trying to expand the group's base of 39 churches, 38 of which are local. He's also continually exploring grant opportunities.

Because FaithWorks is an emergency aid organization, it limits assistance to $150 per household per year. In addition, families can only receive assistance in three separate years.

"The sad thing is we have a lot of long-term unemployed, but we can't fill that long-term need," Cheek said.

Once FaithWorks reopens, people will be able to apply for assistance at 7129 Turner Lake Circle Southwest, Covington.