Neighbor for Neighbor emergency services in North Oakland County

Neighbor For Neighbor (“NFN”) is a non-profit organization that provides food assistance and emergency services to North Oakland County. NFN is funded through donations and government grants. For this program to be successful, they must rely heavily on volunteer work. So far, they have been successful, as they have been operating for 30 years. One of the most remarkable statistics about NFN is that ninety-five percent of every dollar goes to providing services to those in need. Many times it is only one to five percent that reaches those in need. It is astounding that NFN gives so much! That is why NFN is always in desperate need for more volunteers.

NFN provides three major services. The first is a food pantry, which operates from 10 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. weekly. Also, NFN has large holiday food drives that are incredibly successful. Furthermore, NFN sometimes does toy and gift drives for those in need during the Christmas season. Although they did not do it in 2012, it was a smashing success in 2011. The other two services that NFN provides both fall under the emergency services umbrella. The first of these services is emergency financial assistance. This is a temporary, one-time assistance for those who prove that they are in need. This service is limited to purchasing food, paying rent or a mortgage, and paying utility bills. The other service is a clothing service. NFN gives donated clothes to who are in need and are willing to come to their offices to pick them up.

NFN is quite a remarkable organization because it relies primarily on the goodness of people’s hearts. The government grants are few and sparse for NFN; so, most of their services would not be possible if it weren’t for the willingness of the local community to give. In addition to the tight budget, NFN gives away almost all of what they receive. This makes volunteers even more crucial to the survival of this organization. Also, as stated previously, it is rare to see an organization that devotes so much to those that it serves. It is also incredible to see how NFN gets the community to look out for its other community members. Not many communities across America are lucky enough to have an organization that encourages such great community involvement. NFN should be a role model for us all.

For more information about how to volunteer, donate, or apply for benefits from NFN, call 248-634-0900.