Editorial Standards & Corrections

People usually read our guides when something urgent is happening: an eviction notice, a shutoff date, an empty fridge. This page explains how our guides are actually researched, checked, updated and corrected.

Who writes our guides

Guides are written by the FSR Editorial Team, working under the editorial direction of Pete Zheng, the site's owner and editor. Pete is responsible for what we publish and for corrections. A small number of guides carry Pete's own byline.

How we research

Each guide is researched from official sources first: government agencies, courts, utilities, hospitals, and the organizations that run each program. We then use 211 and local resource directories to fill gaps. Eligibility rules, income limits, deadlines and fees come from those official sources, and we list or link the sources in the guide. We use software tools, including AI-assisted research and drafting tools, to help organize this research.

How we check accuracy

Guides are checked against the official sources they cite. When we can't verify a detail, such as a phone number, an office's hours or a current fee, we either leave it out or say clearly that it needs confirming, and we tell readers to call before they go. We don't invent phone numbers, addresses, hours or program details.

How we choose what to include

We list organizations that run a regular, public program for rent, utilities, food or related needs and publish a way to contact them. Faith-based programs are included only when they serve people outside their congregation. Numbering in our lists is for easy reference, not a ranking. We don't publish star ratings, and nobody pays to be listed.

Review dates and updates

Many guides show a "Last reviewed" month near the top. Not every guide has one yet; we are adding them as guides are re-reviewed. We re-review guides periodically, starting with the most-read and seasonal guides (winter utility help, holiday assistance, tax season), and we update or remove programs that close or move.

Independence and advertising

Ads, including Google AdSense, are placed by third parties, and advertisers have no say in our content. Sponsored blocks are labeled Sponsored and kept separate from resource listings. When we mention our own paid product, we say it's ours and show the price, and we always list free alternatives such as 211.

Report an error

If you find an error, use our Contact page or email financialsupportresources@gmail.com with the page link and what needs to change. Significant corrections (a wrong phone number, address, eligibility rule or deadline) are fixed in the guide.

Not legal or financial advice

Our guides are general information, not legal, financial or medical advice. See our Disclaimer.