...that "generally" it's best to approach family first.

I think that's solid counsel - keeping in mind that "generally" means that is not the right approach in every situation and circumstance.

If I have an otherwise productive family member who experiences financial hardship due to losing a job, medical issues, whatever - then my relatives stepping in to help as much as they can before the relative goes to the church is probably a good thing.

If, on the other hand, we're talking about someone who is chronically in financial trouble due to not getting or keeping a job due to personality issues, or whatever else, then maybe it's best they go to a bureaucracy (even if we're talking about a church bureaucracy here) that will hold them accountable to take certain steps in order to receive the help. I wouldn't want that role with a relative - but I'd want someone to take the role.