Georgia Entrepreneur Calls for Community Action to Support Families in Financial Crisis

Georgia-based entrepreneur David Wiley is drawing attention to a critical gap in support systems for families living on the financial edge, urging communities to provide immediate, practical assistance to prevent minor setbacks from becoming full-blown crises. Wiley, founder of Belief Marketing Services and the nonprofit Cash In Time Ministries, points to alarming statistics that reveal the precarious situation many households face. According to the Federal Reserve's Economic Well-Being Report, 37% of Americans cannot cover a $400 emergency, while the National Energy Assistance Directors Association reports that over 25 million households fell behind on utility bills in the past year.

Through his work with Cash In Time Ministries, Wiley witnesses these struggles directly, providing rapid, small-scale assistance for groceries, rent, or urgent utilities when families have exhausted other options. He argues that the perception that helping requires significant financial contributions or formal charity work is misguided. Most impactful support, he contends, comes from simple, person-to-person actions within local communities. Checking on a neighbor, covering a small bill for someone trying their best, or simply being present for those without a safety net can make a substantial difference.

Wiley's perspective is shaped by diverse life experiences, from growing up in a Marine household and excelling as a two-time All-American athlete to building businesses and coaching youth sports. He applies the principle that small details create big change—a concept valid in business, coaching, and community support. The current economic climate, marked by inflation and rising living costs, exacerbates the vulnerability of families who are one unexpected expense away from crisis.

The call to action is straightforward: individuals across Georgia and beyond should look within their own communities and take simple steps. Wiley encourages people to identify those who may be struggling—a neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance—and offer concrete support. This could mean covering a small, urgent need or providing emotional presence during a difficult time. The philosophy underpinning this approach is that every community has individuals working hard but falling behind, and intervention doesn't require a large platform. Starting with one person can initiate a ripple effect of support.

Wiley's advocacy through platforms like his recent interview aims to shift the narrative from large-scale, institutional solutions to grassroots, immediate action. By highlighting the stark data from sources like the Federal Reserve and personal anecdotes from his ministry work, he underscores the urgency of the situation. The implication is clear: as traditional safety nets strain under economic pressure, community solidarity becomes not just beneficial but essential for preventing families from slipping into irreversible hardship.