More than 40 million Americans, including 16.7 million children live in constant poverty.

Did you know:

• A family of 4 earning $22,050 or less per year live below the poverty line.  This represents 1 in 7 people in the United States.
• 1 in 4 African Americans and Hispanics live below the poverty line.
• Families with children are among the fastest growing segments of impoverishment in the nation.
• 84% of low-income families have at least 1 working family member and 75% of single mothers who are head of households work.
• A person working full-time at minimum wage earns $14,500 per year.
• An average of 23% of the request for emergency shelter by homeless people has gone unmet during the past year.

Mathew 25: 35-36  "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me."

For I was hungry

To feed the hungry brings immediate gratification to both the server and the one being served.  Nutrition is a daily quest for impoverished people.  To be fed in the house of God is significant.  Here a person will see Christ's love in action.  It is in this setting that we must tell hungry people that Jesus is the Bread of Life.  In what way can you touch a hunger need through your church?

Stranger and you took me in:

Sheltering may be the most difficult ministry to begin and maintain, however, shelter can be provided in many forms.  Adequate space is needed, bedding items, and a number or reliable volunteers.  Churches that begin a sheltering ministry will be rewarded as they see God at work in the lives of those they assist.

Naked and you clothed me:

Clothing is a major concern for people of poverty.  This is true due to the lack of two very basic things; a place to keep clothing, and a way to wash clothing.  Without clean, fresh, presentable clothing life's challenges begin mounting up quickly.  Can your church offer ways to assist the poor with hygiene challenges?

Sick and you visited me:

Many churches effectively address the health concerns of the impoverished.  Local health departments may help by providing supplies.  This ministry can begin with the interest of one person, a group of volunteers, and space enough for health screenings. 

In prison and you came to me:

Support ministries are designed to address very specific needs among poor people.  Support groups for example revolve around people seeking to resolve mutual problems or personal issues.  Addictions, literacy, and job skills are prevalent among impoverished people.  How can you reach out to the needs of people in poverty in your community?

"What then shall we do?"  Jesus replied to them, "The one who has two shirts must share with someone who has none, and the one who has food must do the same."  Luke 3:10-11

For direct assistance in identifying and developing specific ministries through your church and community or for more information about ministries related to homelessness, contact:

Lindsey Shaffer at 443-745-1534

or lshaffer@bcmd.org