Our Services
Project Timothy is a Christian service center offering short-term emergency assistance to residents of Dayton, Waitsburg, Starbuck, and communities across Columbia County who are facing financial crisis.
Who we serve
We serve individuals and families who live in Dayton, Waitsburg, and Starbuck, and who are experiencing a genuine emergency and have no other way to meet a basic need.
- Residents of Dayton, Waitsburg, Starbuck, and the surrounding area in Columbia County.
- Households facing short-term crises such as unexpected job loss, illness, or major bills.
- Special consideration for single parents and families with school-age children, while welcoming everyone with respect and dignity.
Assistance is always limited by available funds and by our guidelines. When we are not able to help directly, we do our best to connect neighbors with other community resources.
Types of help we may provide
Project Timothy focuses on short-term assistance with the basic necessities of life. The exact help we can offer depends on your situation and the funds available at the time of your visit.
Food assistance
No one should have to choose between paying a bill and putting food on the table. Depending on need and funding, we may be able to offer:
- Food vouchers for local grocery store.
- Referrals to local food banks and meal programs in Dayton, Waitsburg, and nearby communities.
When we cannot provide direct food assistance, we will help you connect with food pantries and other programs listed on our Community Resources page.
Housing and rent support
For households at risk of losing housing, we may be able to offer limited emergency help, such as:
- Short-term emergency housing assistance, when funds allow.
- Help with up to ½ month rent payment (limit $500) once per year to prevent eviction. This is limited to rentals only, we are not able to assist with mortgage payments.
- Referrals to partner agencies that administer larger housing and energy-assistance programs.
Our assistance is meant to bridge a crisis, not to provide ongoing rent support. In many cases, we work alongside regional partners (such as housing and energy-assistance agencies) to help you access additional programs.
Utilities and energy assistance
Keeping the lights and heat on is essential for safety and health. When possible, we may:
- Help with a portion of an overdue electric, gas, or heating bill.
- Assist with water or other essential utility bills in emergency situations.
- Provide information about regional energy-assistance programs that can offer more extensive support.
Utility assistance is usually provided in the form of a payment or voucher made directly to the utility provider rather than cash given to the client.
Transportation and gas assistance
Reliable transportation can be the difference between keeping a job, getting to a medical appointment, or accessing other services. Depending on need and availability, we may:
- Offer limited gas vouchers for essential travel, such as work, medical care, or housing appointments.
- Connect you with local transportation programs listed in our resources.
Columbia County Public Transportation is now free.
Other urgent needs and referrals
In some situations, Project Timothy may be able to help with other emergency expenses, such as prescription medications or essential items, when there are no other options and funds allow.
Even when we cannot meet a particular need directly, our volunteers will work with you to identify other churches, nonprofits, and agencies that may be able to help, including organizations listed on our Community Resources page.
How it works
Every situation is different. When you visit Project Timothy, a volunteer will sit down with you, listen to your story, and talk through what kind of help may be available. We may offer to pray with you if you wish, but there is never any pressure.
- Come during office hours. Visit our office inside All Saints Thrift Store during the hours listed below.
- Share what is going on. A volunteer will ask a few questions to better understand your situation and what you are hoping we can help with.
- Review options together. Based on your need, our guidelines, and the funds available, the volunteer will discuss whether we can provide assistance or referrals at this time.
- Receive vouchers or referrals. When we are able to help, assistance is usually provided through vouchers or direct payments to landlords, utilities, or local businesses—not as cash.
If you have them, bringing recent bills, shut-off or eviction notices, and identification can be helpful. If you do not have those documents with you, please come anyway—we will still listen and see how we can help.
Project Timothy volunteers strictly follow the organization’s guidelines when providing financial assistance. Because resources are limited, we may not be able to help every time, but all who come to us are welcomed with respect and dignity.
If you are unsure whether your situation fits our services, we still encourage you to reach out. If Project Timothy is not the best fit, we will do our best to direct you to another resource that may be able to help.