The down and out now have nine local churches ready to help. The churches recently started a Love Inc. office here designed to assist people in need with services they can’t get or can’t afford

That includes rides to doctors offices when they don’t have a vehicle or pet care while they’re hospitalized, executive director Lennie Eaton explained. Love Inc. stands for Love In the Name of Christ.

Nine North Valley churches joined to start a local chapter of the national organization — Journey Church, St. Richard’s Catholic Church, Hungry Horse Chapel, Christ Lutheran Church, United Methodist Church, St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Whitefish Assembly of God, Presbyterian Church of Whitefish and Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

People needing services must call 406-892-3544 ahead of time. While the local chapter has an office in Columbia Falls, it does not take walk-ins. Many clients are referred through social service organizations.

The organization also allows the churches to pool resources to do the most good.

“It’s refreshing to be able to cooperate rather than compete,” pastor Brent Schmidt said during a ribbon cutting ceremony last week.