Through fundraising, innovative collaborations, and a strong sense of purpose, Christian churches are making an impact in efforts to provide assistance and shelter for the homeless.

The Severe Weather Shelter Network is a collaboration of three churches in Jefferson County, Colorado. These churches open their doors to the homeless when the temperature drops to 32 degrees in wet conditions and 25 degrees in dry. In order to share the work of clearing schedules and finding volunteers to staff the temporary shelter, the location rotates between the three churches on a week basis. Furthermore, the Network advocates for the homeless works to raise awareness that there is indeed homeless people living in the county. 

In Columbia, Maryland, a coalition of churches found a long-term solution for homeless families by raising money to actually purchase housing. Money raised by the congregations purchased a condominium which was given to a homeless family. The family lives in the condo, pays 30% of their income as rent with the cost of fees and services being covered by donations. In Salt Lake City, an ambitious “housing first” program was aided by twenty million dollars donated by the Mormon Church.

Additionally, church groups are helping to keep people in their homes. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul works, from offices around the country, to provide short-term assistance with rent with funds raised primarily through donations. The society looks for situations that are sustainable, but a acute event (health issue, job loss) has created a financial challenge that is difficult to surmount alone and did not create a situation where someone is eligible for government assistance