PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE (PHP) Mission Statement
People Helping People provides emergency financial assistance to families and individuals in Fauquier County, Virginia.
PHP has been providing this important service to the community for over 25 years.
Biography of PHP
PHP was chartered with the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1990 as a non-profit Corporation, 501 (c) (3) with an annual budget between $150,000 TO $200,000. We are a non-denominational Christian-based organization that was founded with the purpose of helping citizens of this county who are in immediate financial need. Our assistance covers such items as paying utility bills to avoid disconnection of service, assist paying rent/mortgage to avoid eviction and potential homelessness.
Summarization of assistance
People Helping People (PHP) assists low income families and families undergoing hardship due to circumstances beyond their control, i.e. loss of employment, health issues, death in the family.
The maximum assistance over a 12 month period per family/individual is up to $500 (utilities) and up to $1,000 (rent) depending on funds available. This is to help overcome a temporary hardship. We do not disburse cash but make payments directly to the provider of services.
In 2023 we received over $167,000 in support for our mission from grants, area churches, local ,businesses and individuals! This support allowed People Helping People to provide assistance to 551adults (45 over 65) and 504 children. In addition to financial assistance, our volunteers provided over 1,357 hours in support of People Helping People.
Staff
PHP staff is 100% volunteer. The overhead cost (telephone, office supplies, internet) over the past years did not exceed 5%. Office space is donated by Saint James Episcopal Church. 95% of all donations are distributed to assist people in need.
Board Members
Elfie Schmid – President
Sandy Benfit – Treasurer/Secretary
Bob Springman
Ed Wright
Jan Polk
Rod Kastrup
Bettie Shiflett
Deborah Hoke
Awards
People Helping People received the President’s Volunteer Service Award, GOLD MEDAL for services in the community. Eleanor Johnson, 95 years young, received the LIVE TIME Award for her services to PHP.