Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (HACSM)

Eunice Hediger

Highland, Illinois

Phone: 618-654-9295

This is an ecumenical effort of area churches, founded in the spring of 1997 under the guidance of the Highland Area Ministrial Alliance. Its purposes are to provide assistance to the citizens of Highland and surrounding communities in the name of Christ. Services offered include: providing emergency assistance with rent, utilities, and/or food bills to families or individuals with a verifiable need; making contacts and referrals to other social service organizations and assisting the unemployed in their job search; providing advocacy, education, and support to help clients meet basic human needs; and enabling them to develop their own self-sufficiency and dignity. The Community Food Pantry is now also under the auspices of HACSM. An executive committee of pastors and laypersons from the area churches provides the general oversight. Funding for the ministries of HACSM comes from the donations of churches, service organizations, the City of Highland's "Good Samaritan" program collected through voluntary donations on your utility bills, and grants from the United Way and the state.