else. Let the church do some charity work and be the blessing in their lives. 

Besides, the church sounds like they will be better able to help these people change their lives and become more responsible. This doesn't sound like a one time loan, but a repeating problem. 

No point in draining all the money from the kids and not changing when the church can help/shame/prompt them to get better. 

BUT, if they haven't ever paid tithing...nevermind, the church represents Jesus, Jesus would help them out, let them help them out.