How do I support someone to work through a barrier?

Barriers are present in everyone's life and in the way of all of our goals.  They pop up unexpectedly and not everyone has the same set of life experiences - so it can feel overwhelming if you don't know what to do next.   But being there for someone while they are trying to overcome a barrier will strengthen your relationship, even if you don't know what to do next.   We're here to support if you have questions - this is your first set of actions; and remember that we have a lot of resources to support many of the common barriers that are faced in our community.  This Guide can help you connect to the right resource as you need it.

4 Steps to Support Someone Who has a Barrier

4 Steps to Support Someone Who has a Barrier:

1. Coaching Questions: Clarify the problem, explore the root cause, and brainstorm solutions before taking action
2. Advocacy Steps: Make moves to resolve the problem by speaking up, asking for help, and advocating for yourself. There aren’t always steps you can take but when there are, you may be able to solve the problem without taking further action.
3. Resources: Search for community resources that may be able to help.
4. Financial Assistance: If you’ve clarified the problem through coaching questions, advocated for yourself or the person in need, searched for community resources and still find yourself needing support, fill out this form to see if you qualify for financial assistance from Thread.

Below are a set of specific barriers we have resources and guidance to support.  Check these to get our best advice with coaching questions, advocacy steps, & resources for each.  

Specific Barriers