It goes without saying that 2020 has had its own, particular set of challenges for citizens across the globe. From the pandemic, to relentless natural disasters, to civil and political unrest, to exploding tensions over deep-seated racial injustice, it seems we’ve experienced enough watershed moments to last a decade. These crises have only heightened the need for the work of nonprofit organizations in The US and worldwide. Thank God for the teams and individuals who have remained cognizant of the growing need for humanitarian aid and ever-committed to the cause of providing it in Jesus’ Name.
By the Grace of God, we are grateful to report that Help!ComeHome! found ways to serve our national community this year, in spite of the extreme limitations on travel and human contact. Under the courageous and faithful leadership of our Chairwoman, and taking every recommended safety precaution, Help!ComeHome! ventured into communities particularly affected by the economic fallout of the pandemic. Our journey took us to the end of the heartbreaking saga of George Floyd, whose life unjustly cut short. We attended his memorial service in Houston, TX and then moved onto cities in the surrounding areas. We served in Tempe, AZ; Kansas farm country; Mount Joy, Pittsburg, and Easton, PA; Denver, CO; the Mexican border; Washington D.C.; upstate NY; and New York City. In light of George Floyd’s death and the ensuing social unrest, we also stopped at Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield, Illinois for prayer and reflection. Wherever we stopped, we networked with various organizations and Departments of Health and Human Services (where and when open). We talked to countless Americans to get their stories, pray together, and give aid in communities across the US. We continued to find out which communities were most in need and began the work of helping local charities get those in their communities back on their feet.
As travel advisories became more severe, we turned our focus back to our local projects. We continued with our yearly coat and winter-clothing drive, we stocked a food pantry in our Portsmouth, NH headquarters; we partnered with other local organizations to provide basic necessities, and we continued to receive crisis calls.
Below you’ll find some memories from the past 12 months. Many thanks to the many Fire Departments, and great Police Officers across this country, as well as our core Team: Sarah Cooper, Mark Shelton, Melba and Tommy Martell, Tony Peppers, Lynnette Nicholas, Coleen Mayo, Michelle Impey, William Graves, Renee Anderson, Michael Damour, Matthew Walsh, Allen Ramsay, and Ellie Mayo, our Chairwoman. Many thanks to Thomas Shaw, Morgan Gardener, and the countless additional volunteers who pull through when they are really needed!
The number of communities and households in financial crisis are almost too numerous to count, and the pandemic has only heightened the need for relief. Please know that if you choose to support any humanitarian effort in your local towns, neither your time nor your money will go to waste. If you aren’t in a position to donate labor or monetary support, please remember that prayer is a powerful tool and always completely free to give. We pray for a brighter and better future for all.
Take care and Godspeed
