You are a tourist on a city street... trying to find your way. How do you get help?

Help Yourself

You use a map or a booklet with information about the city. That's ok... although... feels a bit like work... and is somewhat lonely.

People Helping People

You ask a passer-by for directions... Or simply, a passer-by recognizes your "tourist" behavior, stops on his/her own will and spends 30 seconds (often much more) helping you. You feel good. The passer-by feels even better. Witnessing onlookers feel good too. What happens is an easy, almost instinctive "give and take"... so natural that we don't even think about who "gives", who "takes", or why is this happening. This is not "giving"... people are just helping each other.

So... what is Aidpage?

Aidpage is a free public space on the Web where you can:

• speak out about your problems and needs,
• act upon your need to help others,
• join or organize groups for good causes.

Aidpage fosters informal communication among Aidmates, sharing of experience, and mutual support. Simply posting on Aidpage makes you an Aidmate.

E-Bay enables the simple, direct "people buying from people" over the Internet.

Aidpage enables the simple, direct "people helping people" over the Internet.

Need to know more?

Here are a few links to the aidpages of veteran Aidmates:

• WHO ~ KNEW
• Soulight
• Elaine of TSA
• Ekikaseven
• Lady Christie

See also:

• Instructions: How to Use Aidpage
• How Does Aidpage Work
• Why Aidpage...

If you need help...

Sign up here on Aidpage - free, takes about 1 minute. Post a new message with pictures and information about your current situation and your needs - it's easy, technical skills are not required. Then, browse other people's aidpages. Use the comments section on their aidpages to send them messages. Some of them will respond to you. At the same time, other people will be visiting your aidpage and writing to you. Write back to them. Talk to each other. Make aidmates.

How can aidmates help each other...?

Aidpage doesn't tell you how to help each other... It's up to you to decide. Advice and good information are easy to share right here on Aidpage. But you can do whatever you find appropriate and necessary... in whatever way you can. Use the aid information and web links contributed by other aidmates. Add to these resources. Be a good aidmate.

If you want to help others...

Simply browse or search Aidpage and wherever interested, post comments or contact the people. They will respond to you. Make aidmates. You can even start your own group right here on Aidpage. A group has a better chance to make a difference in a single person's life or to work for a larger cause. Aidpage is free... no limit on how many pages you can post here or how many groups you can organize. Most importantly - you'll be on the web with a purpose!

The easiest way to help...

The more people know about Aidpage, the better for all aidmates. Add your friends, relatives, and colleagues as email contacts here on Aidpage. Use this new feature of Aidpage to bring in the much needed attention and support to those in need.

Need to know more?

Here are a few links to the aidpages of veteran Aidmates:

• WHO ~ KNEW
• Soulight
• Elaine of TSA
• Ekikaseven
• Lady Christie

See also:

• Instructions: How to Use Aidpage
• What is Aidpage... 
• Why Aidpage...

Why Aidpage?

I believe to help someone in need is the most moving and inspiring experience. No other achievement could be so fulfilling. I am not talking about extraordinary circumstances demanding a Hollywood hero. I am talking about everyday situations - problems that for some of us are “piece of cake”. Interesting thing though, no matter how “small” the problem is to us, when we help others, we are getting a lot of satisfaction. We simply feel good about ourselves. We all need that! Yet, in our busy lifes, we often forget how easy it is to feel good about ourselves. That is why Aidpage.

Aid - a short, clear word - apparently everyone knows its meaning. Even more, at any given moment, every one of us needs aid of some kind. However, think about it for a minute and many questions suddenly emerge...

· How can I ask for help?
· Whom should I ask for help?
· How and where can I tell my story?
· Will I be heard?...
· What aid is out there?
· Who is providing the aid?
· Who is receiving aid?
· How does the helper know who is in need and what is needed?

The fact that all these questions exist defines a very real need yet to be met. Imagine a place where such questions could be asked and answered. A public place where an ordinary person can ask and get answers to these questions. That is why Aidpage.

Have you ever met people who need to talk about something with someone? Those people aren't always visible, but their need is as real as it gets. Those around them are simply too busy to notice them, but there are others that would gladly spend time talking or just listening. That is why Aidpage.

Many of us consider our own problems “small” compared to what we see daily on TV and do not ask for help. True, most of the problems we face are not big enough to make the news... What should we do? Try harder... just get used to the idea that we cannot solve them... How about asking for help? Of course, we would ask a relative, a friend, or even a neighbor but that is not always an option. Do we realize that there are other people out there who would help.

We came up with the slogan “People Aid People.” Yes! People are going to help other people. We have faith in the following principles:

Well what I do is I have people or families call my home and tell me what they need. If they need food, medicaid or cash assistance I tell them they can contact our local welfare office, now if they don't qualify then I know other organisations that can help. I also have donation cans in almost every store in my area and I collect money from my website for families that really need help. With the money I collect I help familes with what ever emergency they have like no utilities or water or clohes or gas money. The reason why I am doing this is because I remember when I was single with my 3 girls and it seemed like no one can help me and nobody wanted to help me and I don't want no one else to feel that way no one should feel that way and I'm here to tell everyone that there is help and here is were you can find it don't give up.

 Sorry I've not posted recently.  This time of year I am incredibly busy.

 I've exhausted every resource I can think of...easy to do considering I'm in a rural area. This is the only online resource I know, so I'm putting out my plea. 

I provide resources to very low income rural college bound and college students.  Our area has no youth center or other youth related resources.  College bound students are on their own and most don't have a clue how to get into a school nor do they have the resources.  We have a high unemployment rate.  Displaced farmers occupy jobs traditionally held by our youth.  Youth have no way to save money for college.  Our remote rural youth cannot afford gas to drive to a job were one available. They won't take out loans because they've seen the family farm lost forever when in desperation, a parent or grandparent took out a loan.   I'm trying to be brief.  I can certainly provide more details and refer you to our city data/census info.

Most of the young people have never been out of the state.  I've had opportunity to take many on some wonderful trips and provide many opportunities.  I've often had to decline due to lack of transportation.  I currently have an opportunity to take a bus load/van load of 18-24 year olds on a work/vacation.  It's a beautiful area.  Most of the young people have never been anywhere like it.  It's only 850 miles from us.

I've called everyone I can possibly think of.  We are in need of a 15 passenger van or small bus.  I know this is such a huge request but I also know there is a 15 passenger van sitting out there somewhere that would like to be put to use.  I can keep it busy doing good things ...offering hope.  Amazing what hope can do for a person.

Two of the students working on the last trip.

I really don't enjoy talking about myself, but I will gladly answer your questions and provide references.  I will tell you, I am uninteresting and a lousy conversationalist.   I like my work.  I do it well.  I do it low key and quietly.  I am passionate about my work and those I provide for.  I don't like asking of others.  There are times I cannot see any other way but to reach out and ask.  I, as a human being, have no needs.  I am fine.  I do want you to know I take this work seriously...as seriously as life itself for it is the future of these young people we are talking about.   I give up food, clothing, personal items, and so much more just to provide basic resources to these young people.  I struggle to find resources for them.  If you realized how much we struggle on a daily basis you might understand that having to turn down this opportunity, walk away from it,  just tears me to pieces...all for lack of a vehicle.  They'll earn some money in the tourism Industry, many will have jobs waiting for them next year,  and they'll have an experience of a lifetime.  Sometimes an experience like this sticks to a kid...begins to build a dream worth fighting for. 

Many of these young people have faced incredible obstacles and life situations.  Some tire and struggle to keep up the day to day fight...continue climbing that mountain toward their goal.  If only you knew some of their stories...some of what I've seen them go through.  I know for several of the youth, this trip, even with work involved, will be a rest for them emotionally/mentally/spiritually.   An opportunity to recharge works wonders...it has with other groups we've been able to take.

I have connections to provide yearly work for the young people.  Gas, food, shelter is paid for. The compliments I've received from the previous year were amazing.  This is why the offer was extended to this year and why we were asked to bring, "a busload".  I was also told they were needed "yesterday" so we do have a time crunch.  They are ready to leave.   I was told they were incredibly hard workers, pleasant, upbeat, friendly, mannerly, polite, always had a smile, personable, refreshing.  The kids are used to hard work...building fences and buildings, working with cattle etc, digging ditches/trenches/foundations, bucking hay.  To them a job in the tourism industry is just a day of fun.  They are task oriented...they complete tasks efficiently and quickly...why make it last longer than they have too.  They are used to having to work by the sun.  One must get that work done before the sun sets or you have no light...but the job must still be done.  Everything is fully supervised and fun activities are also planned.  Some of them are so desperate for a job they just work their hearts out in hopes they've done well enough to be invited to work again.  It won't take jobs away from the local work force.  This is seasonal work.  There are not enough jobs to provide year round work so the area won't support the required population.

You know, I've altered every aspect of my life and my lifestyle...in ways other people could not fathom...I mean radical changes.  I've chosen to live in poverty so I might help these young people succeed...I believe in them with every fiber of my being.  I know this choice is right for me.  I've seen the outcomes.  I've also seen what happens when there are no resources...and this I cannot bear.

  Each time I go to make a purchase, I have to ask myself...is this item worth it enough to take food away from someone who hungers...is this going to benefit the maximum number of people?  You can guess the things I no longer buy.  My hubby often walks the 10 miles one way to work (20 R.T.), just to save gas money.  We don't  have a mattress or couch. Our oven no longer works. But it is okay.  We have what we need.  Much of the time I even forgo colostomy supplies...they are pricey.  

Sigh...we struggle daily, even hourly, to create resources.   Turning down a sustainable long term resource, one that has the potential to impact so many futures,  just doesn't seem right to me.  

Please feel free to contact me...maybe you have ideas that I've not thought of.  Brainstorming is always helpful.  I can also email detailed info.

In Kindness Always,

-K

Fun at the beach

Hello I am from Roanoke VA where I attended College for two years.  I received my two year degree but now I am unable to continue my education because at this point I already have to pay $15,000. The problem is that it's almost impossible to make these payments and afford to pay rent, insurance, etc which is leaving me with a maxed out credit card just to get gas to go to work and back. I do work a full-time job 40+ hours but even with that I still don't have enough money to live on. This student loan has almost put me in the street where it was said to make my life so much better. All I want to do is to get this depth out of my way so that I can at least have enough money to pay my living expenses. It has been pure hell since I've got my degree, I even had to cancel my health insurance that I needed  because I can no longer efford it with the school loan & interest getting higher & higher. I am so confused and I feel for everyone on this page. Now I see why the United States has so many homeless people living on the streets. I think this is how it all starts, it's sad but true. Everytime I see a homeless people I pray for them, or the ones standing with that sign saying(I will work for food) I always try to spare some change because I think that could be me or one of my loved ones or what if he's angel sent here from heaven?

All I need is a chance in this life to make something of myself. This is the United States of America where we're said to have the best education and chances. I guess that's if you can pay for it. If there is anyone out there that is willing to help me with a donation I will give you the address to (ACS) the school loan collectors.

Thank you for reading this... I am praying that someone will respond

BrokenWingedAngel

lhumphreys@sestn.com

Please Take the time to help others less fortunate.This person below she is a loving and devoted mother taking care of her 2 lil kids by herself and just trying to get her life straight.So please take a look at her urgent needs if you cannot help financial then please vote 4 her to maybe win the needy or greedy contest make sure you vote 4 the 5 star!Thank you God Bless!

For SOME URGENT HELP.. PLEASE..

Vote: 1 2 3 4 5

I know you have heard this many many times, but this is the first time I have posted this ad or put up any other post, I try and aviod asking the community or public for  help or  funds. TODAY I am going to have to. I am a very hard working mother, a mother of 4 daughters I am also raising my kid sister who just turn 15, Me and my 4 daughters ages 16-10 my lil sister just moved here to oregon about 4 months ago, we came with just our clothes and a box of food, a new start. I was hoping to find a great job and get kids into programs such as sports dance ect. Please read on  & you would understand why I am asking for the publics help or community help. i couldn't find a full time job my daughters don't know that I am strugging so hard to keep us here in Bend Oregon, All I wanted for my family was a better life thann what we had in california, you see in calif as a teen you have to have stuff and be someone if not they pick on you, that was one of my daughters problems. So yes here we are in oregon stsrting from fresh, I am living pay check to pay check, i did qualify to receive food stamp's and am waiting for hud but they say we have to wait for up to 5 yrs? My lord I said, last month i had power shut off for just 1 day. I  am asking for help from the community and the people who can spare extra my power will be shut off any min now. I have no money to reconnect it at all until feb 6th, I will be without power for a few dya's if I can't get help fast... All i can do in return is send a thank you card. Thanks for your kindness

can someone anyone help? Email me at butterflyelenah@aol.com

i am a mother of two just lost are house to forcolesure now got a plce to rent about to get evited because i cant pay rent  someone plase give me some advice before i go nuts

Yes, we do have angels on Aidpage. That's how we call the people who do the helping on Aidpage. I think Elaine of TSA came up with the term "angels" (please, correct me if I am wrong).
 
Anyway, we observe roughly two levels of "angel" presence on Aidpage:

1. Spontaneous one-time posting by "passers by" - done by the kind of good willing people who would personally help a stranger without much ado and then would simply go their way without ever returning.
2. Regular posting on multiple pages and topics for many months or even years - now, we are talking super angels here.

The first thing a needy person needs is personal attention - as simple as that. And still, it is the hardest thing to get from an institution or even a busy social worker.
 
So, dear reader of this post - you can be an angel too. Browse Aidpage and read a few posts. Then reply (in a helpful way!) to one or two of them - and voilà, you've become a small "angel" in someone's life. Welcome to Aidpage!

This is in despiration.... I am amazed at the stories I have heard about People helping People. I am married to a wonderful man. Together we have one son. Our son is 4 years old. We have been married for five and a half years. We have been on staff at a church since we were married. In August of 2007, we were asked to reisgn our position at our church. We were the Children's Pastors... and loved every bit of our job! Because my husband and I were hurt so bad by this.. we dicided to take a break for a while from the ministry. We didn't want to try to be happy when we weren't happy on the inside. So now it has been almost five months since and we are getting farther and farther behind... Our bills just pile up and pile up. We live in Houston, TX. Our whole family lives in North Texas... It's not that far, but far enough to not be able to see them that much. Due to them being so far away.. we weren't able to go see anyone for Thanksgiving. The same is going to happen for Christmas. Someone that my husband works with gave us some toys for Christmas. We devided them with our sister who has three grandchildren. So, for Christmas we have about 5 toys for our son. We are not going to North Texas to see our family. We are so behind in monthly bills, that we owe about 3,000 dollars in current bills by the end of December... about 700 is due this week... I am asking for a miracle. We need someone to help... I know if our family could help.. they would, but we don't come from a family of money. We are simple people who need a break this Christmas. My husband does have a good paying job now. He is happy with it. But we need to catch up from the several months of no income coming in... We are afraid we will loose everything... our home.... our cars... electricy.... everything... Please, if there is anything you can do to help us... We need it. I know God will bless you ten fold.

Thanks so much, xandos4up@yahoo.com

IF THIS SIDE REALLY HAS ANY PEOPLE THAT ARE ABLE AND WILLING TO HELP PEOPLE THAT ARE IN DESPERATE FINANCIAL THAN I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT ABOUT IT. I JUST DONT SEE IT...IAM HOPING FOR HELP AND I CANT SAY THAT ANYBODY EAVEN TRYED CONTACTING ME OR OFFERED ANY HELP....SO IF THERE AE ANY WELL OFF PEOPLE THAT HELPED ANYBODY ON THIS SIDE LET ME KNOW -....I SEE PEOPLE THAT (LIKE MYSELF) WHO REALLY NEED HELP URGENTLY...BUT I DO NOT EVER SEE ANY TESTEMONIES ABOUT SUCESS HELPED STORY...

HI