Here are some helpful tips to consider when asking for assistance.

• Make every effort to do all you can to help yourself. Look for ways to cut expenses, share rides, network with those you know, if you're out of work your new job now is to find another. Spend 8 hrs + a day looking for assistance and a job. 
• Be patient, you are one of many people asking for help.
• Most organizations have policies they have to follow. Please respect those policies. 
• Be courteous to the person you are talking to even if they are rude. They spend their day talking to many individuals that lie to work the system and have been rude to them.
• Try and find out what information they will need before you contact them. Look at their website for this information. This will keep you from having to contact again. You don't want to have to be on hold again and have others get ahead of the line for assistance.
• If someone asks for a list of documentation, do not contact them back until you have all the information they have asked for. 
• Fill out all the information they ask for to your best ability. 
• Do everything they ask you to do. This shows them you are trying. 
• Don't give excuses. Don't blame others. Don't talk bad about others. Many of these organizations and the people that work for them network with one another. 
• Have pen and paper handy when making a call or going to an organization so you can take notes. 
• Write out questions before you call so you don't forget something.
• Ask when you should expect to hear something.
• Ask when you should contact again if you have not heard anything.
• Ask the individual that you are in contact with for their name and if they have a direct contact they can give you such as an email, phone number or extension. Also ask for a reference number.
• Don't rely on just one organization call, email and visit many. 
• Do your own research. Keep trying.
• Even if you are denied keep trying. 
• If you are denied by an organization ask if they can recommend other resources or organizations. 
• It is your job to follow up. It is your job to do the emailing, call, and visits. 
• If you don't already, consider belonging to a local church and becoming an active member by giving your time, talents and treasure to help others. 
• Tithe to your local church.