In times of crisis and uncertainty, local churches often become centres of hope and practical support. Through its Communities of Care initiative, World Renew has partnered with churches as they respond to the needs of vulnerable people in their communities with the hope of Jesus.
World Renew provided grants to Christian Reformed Church (CRC) and Reformed Church in America (RCA) congregations serving communities facing significant challenges, from New York City to the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. Confronted by urgent needs, these churches responded in a variety of ways, including supporting remote learning for children, expanding food assistance programs, and caring for those experiencing hardship.
Communities of Care Addressing Food Insecurity
One of the most pressing issues facing many communities is food insecurity. Job loss, economic uncertainty, and other challenges can leave families without reliable access to healthy food.
The Neighborhood Church in Providence, Rhode Island, saw this challenge as an opportunity to support two groups at the same time. Rather than choosing between helping vulnerable neighbours or supporting the local economy, the church partnered with local restaurants to provide meals for people experiencing homelessness.
With support from World Renew, The Neighborhood Church was able to continue serving its community in a holistic way.
College Avenue Community Church in New Brunswick, New Jersey, also experienced a significant increase in demand at its food pantry, serving thousands of families facing economic hardship.
Support from World Renew helped the church maintain essential food supplies, enabling it to continue serving families in need each day.
In other communities, existing food distribution programs expanded to meet growing needs. Bethel Christian Reformed Church, located in the Navajo Nation, worked with local churches and nonprofit organizations to strengthen food distribution efforts throughout the region.
“We team up and try to get food to those places that are being overlooked,” said Pastor John Graydanus. “Without the church, the program, we would not have another food bank in the community.”
By working together, these partners were able to reach more people and ensure food support was available where it was needed most.
Churches Building Stronger Communities
Hesed Community Church in Detroit, Michigan, partnered with community leaders in three neighbourhoods to support families facing a variety of challenges. Their efforts included food distribution, connecting children with technology and internet access for learning, and assisting families with needs ranging from medical expenses to funeral costs.
Mark VanAndel, co-pastor of Hesed, said the church also recognized the impact that hardship can have on mental well-being.
“The communal trauma of COVID-19 has brought to the surface some of these ongoing counseling needs, so we’re trying to address that with partnerships with local Christian counselors.”
Despite significant challenges, church communities continued to find ways to care for one another. VanAndel shared the story of a single mother of seven children who received food assistance and technology support for her family. Later, while preparing a community garden for the growing season, he learned that the woman and her children had already begun weeding and planting.
VanAndel had not asked them to help. Instead, he saw their actions as “a result of kind of this communal effort towards loving and caring for each other” that had been growing throughout the neighbourhood.
Through Communities of Care, churches are able to respond to immediate needs while also building stronger, more connected communities where neighbours support one another in meaningful and lasting ways.
Partnering with Churches for Lasting Impact
World Renew believes churches play a vital role in bringing hope, compassion, and lasting change to their communities and around the world. By walking alongside congregations, World Renew helps equip churches to put faith into action through practical service, community engagement, volunteer opportunities, prayer, advocacy, and generosity. Together, churches and World Renew respond to immediate needs while investing in long-term solutions that help families and communities flourish.
Through these partnerships, local congregations become part of a global community working toward restoration and renewal. Whether responding to disasters, addressing poverty and hunger, supporting vulnerable neighbours, or strengthening communities through local outreach, churches help reflect Christ’s love in tangible ways. World Renew remains committed to serving alongside churches as trusted partners in sharing hope and helping build a more just and compassionate world.
