When I was young and poor, I split my can of beans with my dog. I heated my house with the burners on my stove. I used an electric blanket because we couldn't afford oil for the house.
My Dad offered me "relief" and I was too proud to take cash help but sure apprecieated the box of groceries of "extras" he had for me...
I learned or vowed never to be in those straights again and haven't been...god bless...but have helped many who have been.
K