Direct Relief Assistance

Direct relief assistance is one way we practice economic solidarity beyond our immediate community. We know that crisis and harm don’t wait for participation, so these funds are available to neighbors facing urgent material needs—such as housing instability, medical costs, or utility shutoffs.

Direct relief is not a loan and does not need to be repaid. It is an expression of trust and shared responsibility, rooted in the belief that everyone deserves dignity and the material conditions to thrive.

What to know

• Direct relief is open to anyone in Walker County.

• No participation at Jubilee House is required.

• Funds are grants, not loans—no repayment expected.

• We protect privacy and make decisions collectively.

• We have VERY limited funding for Direct Relief Payments and support is not guaranteed.

Direct relief meets immediate needs while we continue building long-term economic alternatives and communal resilience together.

Micro-loan Program

Micro-loans are one way we practice mutual aid—neighbors supporting one another in times of need. Unlike traditional charity or banking models, mutual aid is built on relationship, trust, and shared responsibility, not hierarchy or coercion.

Those engaged as community members or regular volunteers with the work of Jubilee House may request small, no-interest loans for themselves or on behalf of a neighbor to help with urgent needs such as utilities, rent, transportation, medical expenses, or other essential costs. These loans are designed to reduce stress and make it easier to participate fully in community life.

• You can request up to $250 for yourself or a neighbor in Walker County

• No interest, no penalties, no shame — Repayment is flexible and based on what people are able to give back over time. Some repay quickly; others take longer. No one will be punished, reported, or excluded for struggling.!

• Relationship-based, not transactional — Because this is mutual aid and not a social service, microloans are grounded in community relationships and participation. We prioritize supporting people with whom we are already in relationship, and we also welcome requests on behalf of neighbors. If you are applying for a neighbor, that friend does not need to be an active part of our community.

• Shared stewardship — To keep the fund sustainable and available for others, we will not issue you any additional microloans until the first one is paid back. We will handle multiple applications from family members or cohabitants on a case-by-case basis.

• Privacy and dignity — We intentionally protect people’s privacy. Applications are handled with care and shared only in ways that remove identifying information, so decisions can be made collectively while honoring confidentiality.