Georgia Entrepreneur Highlights Urgent Need for Community Support in Family Financial Crises

Georgia entrepreneur David Wiley is drawing attention to what he describes as a growing crisis facing families across the state: the severe lack of immediate, practical support for those living on the financial edge. Through his nonprofit, Cash In Time Ministries, Wiley provides rapid, small-scale assistance for urgent needs like groceries, rent, or utility bills when families have exhausted other options.

Wiley points to national data underscoring the precarious financial situation many households face. According to the Federal Reserve's Economic Well-Being Report, 37% of Americans cannot cover a $400 emergency expense. Furthermore, the National Energy Assistance Directors Association reports over 25 million households fell behind on utility bills in the past year. "People don't realise how close many families are to a crisis," Wiley says. "Sometimes it's one flat tyre, one late paycheque, or one medical bill that pushes someone over the edge."

The importance of this issue lies in its direct impact on community stability and economic security. When families cannot manage unexpected expenses, the consequences ripple through local economies, increasing demand on social services and potentially leading to homelessness or severe deprivation. Wiley argues that the solution does not always require large-scale charity but can stem from individual community members taking small, direct actions.

"A lot of people think helping requires starting a charity or giving thousands," Wiley notes. "But most of the impact comes from small actions. Checking on a neighbour. Paying a bill for someone who's trying their best. Showing up when it matters." He encourages individuals to look within their own communities and take simple steps, such as checking in on a neighbor or coworker who seems overwhelmed or offering to cover a small, urgent need.

Wiley's perspective is shaped by his diverse background, including growing up in a Marine household, being a two-time All-American athlete, and building businesses from the ground up. He applies the principle that "small details create big change" from business and coaching to community support. The implication of his call to action is significant: bolstering local support networks could prevent many families from falling into deeper crisis, reducing strain on public assistance programs and fostering more resilient communities.

For industries and the broader economy, widespread financial fragility among consumers poses a risk to stable demand and can lead to increased bad debt for service providers like utilities. Wiley's message highlights a gap in the social safety net that community engagement can help address, emphasizing that practical, person-to-person assistance is a critical component of economic well-being. "Every community has people who are trying hard but falling behind," Wiley says. "You don't need a big platform to make a real difference. Just choose one person and start there."