Nestled along the Appalachian Mountains, the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency is in the heart of poverty-ridden America. UETHDA serves Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties. Teams in each of the agency’s nine Neighborhood Service Centers work daily to help clients overcome the daily hardships that they face. Specifically, they offer assistance that helps people … Read More
CWS Kits and Blankets help wildfire victims recover in California
The residents of southern California are accustomed to wildfires during the summer. But this summer was different. The fires were more intense. A record-setting heat wave, coupled with moderate winds, sparked brush fires across southern California that destroyed homes and forced thousands to evacuate. Not knowing whether their homes would still be standing, hundreds of residents fled the West Willows … Read More
CWS Blankets help Kansas City residents brave the cold
Huddled by a small fire under an overpass, Dawn ate her warm meal and confessed, “I’d never camped a day in my life before being out here.” She is new to homelessness and credits her friend Matthew for helping her acclimate to her new situation. She told us that she once served in Operation Desert Storm, raised a family and … Read More
CWS Blankets and so much more
“They are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 The Episcopal Community Health Services (ECHOS) is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in southwest Houston. Cathy Moore, the Director at ECHOS, knows that people who come to the agency are trying to stabilize and improve their lives in the … Read More
Sharing Nice and Warm Blankets with Others
“They are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 With the support of many generous congregations, Church World Service can provide CWS Blankets to various mission projects and non-profits here in the US and around the world. Earlier this year, the members of John Stewart UMC in Upper Sandusky, Ohio started a mission … Read More
Central Christian Church Shares CWS Blankets with Neighbors
“They are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 Winter was particularly cold in the Midwest this year. The frigid temperatures are most impactful to those who call the outdoors home. Thankfully there are congregations like Central Christian Church (Indy CCC) in downtown Indianapolis that are trying to help. For almost 15 years, … Read More
CWS Blankets provide warmth on cool San Diego nights
California may look like a picture-perfect place in television and movies, but skyrocketing rents and lack of affordable housing has resulted in a housing crisis in many urban areas. In San Diego, Community Christian Services Agency provides services for needy families and individuals experiencing homelessness who take refuge in the canyons of Pacific Beach. Though small, CCSA provides a variety … Read More
Bringing hope through blankets in eastern Kentucky
Kentucky may be in the south, but that doesn’t prevent the state from experiencing extreme bouts of cold in the winter, particularly in the evenings when it frequently drops below freezing. This is particularly difficult for those who are experiencing homelessness. WestCare Kentucky Emergency Shelter in Pikeville is described by director Anna Coleman as Pikeville’s “…best kept secret” since many … Read More
Church World Service Blankets Making a Difference in a Small Community in Michigan
Communities in Michigan prepare for long, cold winters of ice and snow, sometimes starting as early as mid-November. Last year was no exception. Following a heavy snow storm, the small town of Berrien Springs, Michigan once again had people in a housing crisis looking for ways to keep warm. “We had a family of five come to Neighbor to Neighbor … Read More
CWS Blankets keep families warm in central Ohio
Winters in the Midwest can be unpredictable. One day is warm and sunny, and the next brings a snow storm. Quick changes in weather can be particularly challenging for families who are already struggling with poverty. For those without adequate shelter and heating, cold weather can have severe consequences. Some low-income people struggle to pay their bills and risk losing … Read More