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Kathleen Orenza
avatarKathleen Orenza6 min read  

US churches and organizations fighting homelessness in their community

man in black and gray jacket sitting on sidewalk during daytime
The issue of homelessness in the United States is getting worse. Despite that, churches and faith-based organizations in the country are making efforts to help the poorest. Image: Clay LeConey|Unsplash

Being without a home or a fixed place to live is called homelessness. Very few societal issues are as obvious as the dilemma of people who don’t have a home. 

Accordingly, people living on the streets are now common in cities, suburbs, and even some rural areas, where they were once nearly unnoticeable and easy to ignore.

Rise of Homelessness in America

The number of people experiencing homelessness in the United States is increasing.

Records show that waiting lists at shelters across the country have increased by two or three times in recent months as more individuals seek shelter assistance. According to The New York Times, experts also believe the number of homeless people is on the rise. 

Since the pandemic’s start, encampments have appeared in parks and other public spaces in major cities across the country, from Washington, D.C., to Seattle. Also, inflation is making matters worse: the highest annual increase in rent has made housing increasingly unaffordable across the country.

It is shocking that the country with the wealthiest economy in the world also has the largest homeless population, with an estimated 600,000 unsheltered individuals. Of them, 30% are families with children.

Press TV revealed that more than 300,000 adults and children spend the night in homeless shelters, while another 200,000 or more sleep outside or in other unsheltered locations.

Impact of Churches, Organizations on Homelessness

While the church cannot solve this problem globally, local Christians can make a difference using church-provided resources. Christians can show the world how to treat those in need with dignity and compassion. 

Local churches and faith-based organizations prioritize establishing food banks and shelters to aid the homeless in their area. They accept the homeless and help them with community service, developing genuine relationships that go beyond the narrow goals of evangelism and mission work.

Here’s a list of churches and organizations that assist the country’s poorest and how you can volunteer to fight the underlying epidemic:

First UMC of Santa Monica

The First UMC of Santa Monica believes a Christian approach to this issue includes declaring the sacred worth and welcoming all people. In addition to spreading the Word of God, they help the people in need in their community. 

In these efforts, they support and share information about the city’s many great resources, such as The People Concern (OPCC), and help homeless people access them.

How to volunteer: Faith in Action projects through children’s Sunday School and the annual Christmas Angel Tree are just two ways to get engaged throughout the year. The church welcomes creative approaches to serving the needs of the homeless.

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles

Catholic Charities of Los Angeles serves the poor and disadvantaged, upholds human dignity, and fights for social justice in the name of Jesus Christ. Catholic Charities seeks to end homelessness and improve the lives of homeless men, women, and children by addressing its underlying causes.

According to its website, they provide a safe refuge and the resources the homeless need to become self-sufficient through its emergency shelter, bridge, and crisis housing programs.

How to volunteer: Volunteers are needed in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara. You can bring meals to older adults who cannot leave their homes, teach kids, assist at the food pantry, or answer phones.

Atlanta Mission

The people of Atlanta have come together to form Atlanta Mission to eradicate homelessness. They make it a point to recognize the good things God is doing among their workers, clients, and communities. 

The organization aims to rehabilitate and equip individuals for intentional life by investing in their spiritual, personal, and professional growth.

How to volunteer: Those interested in making a difference in their community can fill out the form and join the Atlanta Mission. Various volunteering opportunities are waiting for you.

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church is one of the churches fighting to end homelessness in its community. With its efforts, the church partners with other organizations to assist the homeless. 

St. Luke’s and Faith Presbyterian Church hosts an annual Christmas gift drive for families in Harbor Interfaith Services‘ transitional housing facilities during the Advent season. As a group, it also helped out on several Habitat for Humanity projects.

How to volunteer: If you want to impact your community, you can join and volunteer in those organizations mentioned. 

A picture of homelessness issue

A homeless encampment on the streets of Downtown Los Angeles. Levi Meir Clancy|Unsplash

Hands and Hearts Ending Homelessness

During the colder months, the Hands and Hearts Homeless Men’s Shelter in Salisbury, Maryland, is located in the Community Service Building of Park Seventh-day Adventist Church. 

Several homeless men in Salisbury died from the cold 18 years ago, prompting a group of local churches to begin this ministry. Over the years, community involvement and support have grown.

How to volunteer: There are numerous ways to meet the needs of the marginalized community that are available through Hands and Hearts. You can give items and sign up to volunteer at one of the affiliated churches.

The Episcopal Church of the Advocate

Members regularly donate food on Sundays to feed the hungry in Orange County. They give the collected food to the Carrboro InterFaith Council. 

In addition, they regularly gather and donate food in obedience to the Lord’s command to feed the needy.

How to volunteer: Their website did not mention how people can volunteer for their good deeds. However, the church encourages the community to donate items or funds to assist needy people. 

Central Union Mission

The Central Union Mission is a Christian nonprofit in the nation’s capital. Serving those in need in the greater Washington, D.C., area, the mission has been a frontrunner in this work for the past 138 years.

The Christian faith that inspired the Mission’s founding led to its early focus on aiding homeless Civil War soldiers. Its efforts have significantly expanded over the years to help people of all faiths and ethnicities in need in the nation’s capital.

How to volunteer: There are numerous ways that people, families, organizations, churches, and other groups can get involved and provide aid to the homeless and those in need through this organization. You should try its Volunteer Off-Site, where you can host a drive and personally assist those in need.

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    Kathleen Orenza

    My faith in the Christian Church has been an integral part of who I am. From a young age, I was taught the significance of the sacraments, the beauty of prayer, and the guiding principles of love and compassion. Through the years, my faith matured, and I sought deeper connections with my beliefs. With Crossmap, it has reinforced my devotion to the Christian faith and allowed me to play a small role in spreading the love and teachings of Christ in the digital age.

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