Christine ThomasosAs countless people suffer from the impact of the coronavirus around the world, many people in the black community have been receiving support from their local churches.
While churches are being mandated to close the doors of their buildings, many have been meeting digitally for weeks. More than that, a number of churches have been working overtime to provide resources for people who are getting sick from COVID-19 or losing their jobs.
In Detroit, Michigan, Triumph Church has teamed up with local activist group New Era Detroit to distribute groceries to those in need. In an event that is being called “Crisis Care Grocery Giveaway”, seniors and unemployed people can register on the church’s website to reserve time slots when they can drive to the church and pick up groceries through May 29.
For single parents and seniors unable to drive, deliveries can also be scheduled. In Atlanta, Georgia last month, The dReam Center Church of Atlanta also delivered hot meals to families who needed them most.
“We can’t do it all, but we CAN do our part,” the church’s lead pastor William Murphy III wrote on Instagram ahead of the event as he called for volunteers to help.
Earlier this month, the church rallied volunteers to deliver meals to staff members working at their local Hillandale and Northside Hospitals.
“We love our medical professionals and essential workers,” an Instagram message from the church states.
The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas has also focused its efforts on the medical professionals on the front lines of the coronavirus. The megachurch led by Bishop T.D. Jakes has used the commercial kitchen in its building to cook 1,000 meals for healthcare workers and first responders who have sacrificed their own lives to save others.
Frank Dyer, COO of The Potter’s House, spoke to NBC in Dallas about the importance of the church coming together to get and deliver the meals.
“Outside of religion, outside of everything, we are the human race. This is a time where science and faith definitely come together,” Dyer said. “For so long, the medical community and the first responders have been there for us. And ultimately, the key is to be there for them. This is a time of need, this is the time to come together as a community.”
While other churches like Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas and the Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas are also feeding people in their respective communities, some churches have been also collecting money to immediately distribute in their communities. One of those churches is Renaissance Church in Harlem, New York.
The church raised over $100,000 that is being used to help people impacted by the virus in their local community.
“The current COVID-19 crisis has created significant health, financial, and security challenges for our neighbors in Harlem and around our city. While we’re all working to ‘Stop the Spread,’ we also want to find meaningful ways that ‘We Spread Love,’” a message on the church’s website reads. “Thanks to the support of our very generous community, we raised more than $135,000 for our We Spread Love fund. Thank you for helping us BE the church.”
