MariaCatherine, I'm going to guess that your friend does not have a computer?
She does have one, as well as internet. Why do you ask?
There are so many interesting "prepper" websites that she could review - so many of them written by women. It would be empowering for her to learn and make decisions on what is best for her and her budget. Just a way to give her more confidence and diminish her feeling of helplessness. Do you think that would help?
You are so kind to help her.