Monday, February 02, 2009
Economic survival guide: Get what you need
You lose your job and the car won't start; the kids need a coat and it's Ramen noodles all week. More families are feeling a pinch on their resources and need help till the clouds pass. Here are options for getting essentials free (or cheap) in the Roanoke Valley.
Sam Dean | The Roanoke Times
Gary Hale sorts through children's clothing at St. Francis House in downtown Roanoke. "They've helped me out a lot," he said. St. Francis' clothing closet is open on weekdays.
Economic Survival Guide
These days, the economy is on the minds of many. Weekly through mid-March, we'll give you practical advice on ways to keep yourself in the best financial shape possible.
- See more of the series
- Last week: How to file for unemployment
- Earlier: Preparing for a layoff
- 10 tips for cutting costs and saving money
- How to make a budget
Resources
Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank
- (540) 342-3011
- To find your nearest pantry, call the number above and ask for Agency Relations.
- www.swvafoodbank.org
RAM House
- (540) 343-3753
- 824 Campbell Ave. SW
- Clothing closet: 9 a.m. to noon weekdays
- roanokeareaministries.org
RIDE Solutions
- Enter a carpool database or map a route for walking, biking or busing.
- ridesolutions.org/
St. Francis House
- (540) 345-9090
- 824 Campbell Ave. SW
- Coats for Kids: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day
- stfrancishousefoodpantry.org/
Free online goods
- Local listings for giveaways online:
- roanoke.craigslist.org/zip
- freecycle.org (requires a brief application)
Virginia 211
- The hotline provides free information on health and human services.
- Dial 211.
- 211virginia.org
A ride
Feeling stranded without a car (or money to fill the gas tank)? RIDE Solutions, a commuter assistance program, offers plenty of options for getting around without your own vehicle. Its Web site has maps and a carpool database that includes almost 800 commuters who crisscross the Roanoke and New River valleys. "Even if you don't have a car, we can plug you into the system and see who would be willing to do a ride just for gas," said Jeremy Holmes, director of RIDE Solutions. In-town commuters can save $50 a month, he said.
Odds & Ends
A hodgepodge of free household items, clothes and incidentals can be found on the area Web sites for Craigslist and Freecycle. Recent posts include a washing machine, a bedroom set and mattress, an above-ground swimming pool and free photography -- by a photographer trying to build up a resume.
Coffee
A cup of warmth and energy can be a day-changer, whether it's waking up for first shift or perking up for third shift. For truly free coffee, look for complimentary pots inside auto shops, hotel lobbies, antique malls and grocery stores (Fresh Market always has a small cup for patrons). Keep an eye out for free coffee promotions at chains such as Starbucks and Panera.
Food
The Southwestern Virginia Second Harvest Food Bank can point you to the nearest pantry. Expect pastas, canned veggies and soups -- stuff that "will stick to your ribs," said Jeremy Butterfield, a food bank spokesman. Second Harvest functions like a wholesaler, providing food to 350 partner agencies in 26 counties in the region. No need to be shy about asking for help, either. "We're all feeling the economy," Butterfield said.
Clothes
Need a suit for a job interview? Try the area's used-clothing stores, including the Goodwill and Rescue Mission thrift stores. Eagle-eyed shoppers tell stories of great finds for less than $5. For freebies, visit the clothing closet at St. Francis House, where the doors are open 9 a.m. to noon on weekdays. "Everything is very wearable and nice," said Eileen Stone, house director. RAM House runs a Coats for Kids program, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day.
