When we think of the work of ELCA World Hunger, we usually think of all the hungry overseas who are fed with our gifts.
What you may not be aware of is how many hungry people are fed in this country through the work of our own congregations.
The ELCA World Hunger-funded Domestic Hunger Grants support ministries that offer hope and assistance to many thousands of people who experience poverty and hunger in the United States.
This year alone, nearly $13,000 has been given to ministries that fight hunger in the Northeastern Iowa Synod through ELCA Domestic Hunger Grants.
Almost Home, a shelter mission of St. John in Dubuque received $4000 to help build apartments for temporary housing for families. They already provide emergency shelter for single men. However, very few shelters provide space to accommodate homeless families. These apartments would keep families together until more permanent housing can be found.
Good Shepherd in Waterloo received $1000 to provide CNA (certified nursing assistant) training in our Barnabas Uplift ministry. This ministry lifts people out of poverty by providing job training. In the past, St. Paul in Postville has received domestic grant money for their Barnabas Uplift program.
$2500 was awarded to the Saints Café Community Meals program at St Paul’s in Waverly. This is an ecumenical ministry sponsored by many churches in Waverly that not only provides a free meal but also companionship for special needs adults who often eat alone. The grant money will be used to provide transportation for special needs adults to get to the meal site.
The mobile food pantry of the Northeast Iowa Food Bank of Waterloo received $2500.
Food pantries run by Bethesda in Jewell and one in Manchester received grant money.
When you give to ELCA World Hunger you not only help feed people around the world, you help congregations in your own synod fight hunger.
Domestic Hunger Grant applications are available May 1 and are due July 10, 2015. For more information visit: Domestic Hunger Grants
