The purpose of welfare is to help members of the Church to become self-reliant and to care for the poor and needy. President Joseph F. Smith taught that the purpose of Relief Society is “to look after the spiritual welfare and salvation . . . of all the female members of the Church” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [1939], 385).

Welfare means temporal and spiritual well-being. "The welfare plan builds faith in the Lord Jesus Christ," Elder Robert D. Hales has said. "It gives us a window into the life of the Savior, experiencing the type of life He led while on earth." To help bishops and Relief Society presidents follow this inspired plan for the "poor and needy," President Hinckley has counseled them to "work closely" and "consult together" in administering Church welfare. Family Home Storage pamplet, "All Is Safely Gathered In" in PDF () format. Bishop Keith B. McMullin speaks on Family Home Storage video clip. For more information on welfare please visit the Provident Living website. Spiritual and Physical Self Reliance “From the Church Handbook of Instructions, we learn: ‘The Savior has commanded the Church and its members to be self-reliant and independent. . . .  “ ‘To become self-reliant, a person must work. Work is physical, mental, or spiritual effort. It is a basic source of happiness, self-worth, and prosperity. Through work, people accomplish many good things in their lives. . . .  “ ‘As people become self-reliant, they are better prepared to endure adversities’ and are ‘better able to care for others in need.’ ” M. Russell Ballard, “Becoming Self-Reliant Spiritually and Physically,” Ensign, Mar. 2009, 51 Meeting Challenges During Times of Economic Uncertainty We have identified some references to help in meeting challenges during times of economic uncertainty. "One for the Money," Marvin J. Ashton, Ensign, Sept. 2007, 36-39 "Climbing Out of Debt," Ensign, July 2002, 66-69 "Happily Living within Our Means," Ensign, Jan. 2008, 58-63 "Five Steps to Financial Well-Being," Lane V. Erickson, Ensign, Mar. 2004, 66-71 "Principles of Self-Reliance," Silvia H. Allred, May 1, 2008, BYU Women’s Conference www.providentliving.org Family Finance (PDF format)