This past summer, Jackson, Mississippi, was hit not once, but twice by two linked disasters. In August, heavy rains led to flooding throughout the city, damaging the city’s infrastructure. Once the rain stopped, a new crisis began. The city’s water plants were damaged, leaving tens of thousands of residents without access to clean running water. In this moment of crisis, … Read More

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to wake up one night to the sound of rushing water flooding your home? How it would feel to see your belongings get destroyed or washed away? For most of us, the answer is probably no. We don’t think a natural disaster might affect us…until it does. For Sandy Gunnell, when … Read More

When Grandma Constance handed a CWS Blanket to her 4 year-old grandson, Roland, she could not have imagined the sense of comfort and safety it would bring to him. Grandma Constance and Roland were severely impacted, last December, by the tornado that ripped through several small towns in Kentucky leaving homes and businesses damaged and lives forever changed. In the … Read More

A family is living in a temporary shelter after a disaster. A refugee is arriving in their new home. A neighbor is experiencing homelessness in the cold winter season. In all of these situations–and many more–the CWS Kits and Blankets ministry is there to help. From our CWS School Kits to our Emergency Cleanup Buckets, all our kits have one … Read More

On Christmas Day, it’s Bethlehem on Broad Street in Columbus, Ohio. At this event, First Congregational Church of the United Church of Christ, also known as First Church, puts their faith into action. First Church invites their neighbors who may be experiencing homelessness, poverty, or food insecurity to join. Participants receive gifts which include a warm meal, clothing, CWS Hygiene … Read More

“I got one of the CWS Blankets in early 2020. I use it in the middle of the night if I’m a little cold. I have a cat who loves it, too. I’m happy to get another one today because it makes a good bed spread. It’s super warm and easy to manage—you can throw it in the washer.” -Brian … Read More

  Have you ever experienced a time when you felt invisible, insignificant or forgotten? For many who are facing homelessness, disaster or other hardship that feeling is a daily reality. God’s Kingdom and Restoration Ministries in Galveston, Texas is working to change that reality. And they’re doing it one person, one seat and one table at a time. Four years … Read More

Each Sunday, the 3,000 members of Glory Church of Jesus Christ would gather in their large worship space near downtown Los Angeles, an area noteworthy for its massive encampments of people experiencing homelessness. This was no less true of nearby streets by the church, where hundreds had set up camp on the ironically named Hope Street. Glory Church of Jesus … Read More

Houston is home to the second-largest Vietnamese population in the United States. Jannette Diep is the Executive Director of the Houston branch of Boat People SOS. She and her team provide a wealth of services to the Vietnamese community, as well as other refugees and immigrants. Most BPSOS clients are from underserved and low-income families, many of whom have just … Read More

On any given week, The First Presbyterian Church in Everett, Washington welcomes over 150 community members into its sanctuary. But it’s not for Sunday morning service. They’re here for a different purpose and for good reason—to eat. “There’s a mixed journey here; people who have been abused, have addiction issues or people who just can’t make ends meet,” shares Jay … Read More