Church Resources

Introduction

There are times when trials and tribulations come into our lives, and while this can be a challenging time, it is important to recognize that you are not alone. Christ taught “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28–30). There are local leaders and resources available to you during these difficult moments. We have resources to help in various circumstances, including being prepared for and responding to emergency situations.

What Food Is Available at the Bishops’ Storehouse?

The bishop has the responsibility to care for the poor and needy within the boundaries of his ward. One resource available to accomplish this task is the bishops’ storehouse—a place where those in need can go to obtain food and other supplies at the recommendation of their bishop.

Storehouses provide the same types of goods found in any grocery store, including canned goods, condiments, cooking products, fresh produce, milk, meat, and pasta. Personal hygiene products and household cleaning supplies are also available.

Where Can I Find a Bishops’ Storehouse near Me?

It is important to note that these storehouses are located in various areas across North and South America. Outside of the US, there are also some grocery stores with contracts to be used as bishop’s storehouses. Reach out to your bishop or branch president to see what options are available in your area.

How Can I Get Help from My Local Leaders?

If you are struggling with an emergency, you are never alone. Local leaders are prepared to help you. The Relief Society president or elders quorum president are leaders in the congregation that are trained to help individuals in the ward. They can help fill out forms for food orders, work with the bishop to arrange help with Family Services, and provide direction on how to handle specific situations.

How Can I Help Others as a Local Leader?

Under the direction of proper priesthood keys and with the guidance of appropriate councils, God’s children can receive blessings through these resources by reaching out to their communities and ministering in the Lord’s way. Some of those tools and resources include self-reliance groups, addiction recovery groups, and emotional resilience groups, among many others. If your ward or stake would like to use these tools and resources in your local community, click here to help you get started.

Where Can I Get Counseling for a Mental Health Crisis?

Family Services helps Church leaders care for individuals with social and emotional challenges by providing resources that are in harmony with gospel principles.

Family Services can provide social, emotional, and mental health support after a disaster or a crisis. When experiencing challenges out of our control, we each respond in many different ways. Sometimes we struggle, and that’s OK. At other times, we may respond with resilience by using our strengths and resources. It’s not uncommon for us to respond with a mix of both struggles and strengths.

Emergency response tele-support services focus on expressing compassion, identifying and normalizing responses, providing basic coping strategies, exploring how to support others (children, elderly, ministering), and providing hope and resources. Emergency response tele-support does not require any paperwork or payment.

Other services include:

• Consultation Services for Church Leaders

• COVID-19 Support

• Counseling Services

• Support Groups

• Emergency Response Psychosocial Services

Emergency Response Supplies

Emergencies often bring unexpected challenges, but local leaders are prepared to aid with supplies needed during these circumstances. If you are in an emergency situation, the Church can provide cleanup kits and other emergency response supplies. Local leaders can help request these items by working through their welfare and self-reliance contact.