Churches helping churches: Major fundraising effort helping those in need

BOSTON — On FaceBook via a virtual launch, Friday morning the Rev. Laura Everett, Executive Director for the Massachusetts Council of Churches told people that, “The funds are not getting there. The resources are not getting there.”

So they launched One Church Fund in a time of what they say there is an unprecedented need. The coronavirus pandemic has forced churches online. And that has lent itself to a decrease in donations. They are hoping their mantra of “Churches helping churches” will help fill the gap.

It’s a major fundraising effort by the Mass Council of Churches. Their hope is to help people who rely on social services churches provide.

The Mass Council of Churches represents 18 denominations across the state including Pastor Kenneth Young’s Calvary Baptist Church in Haverhill.

“Because we are all in this together, when one community is hurting, all communities are hurting," said Pastor Young.

They say their churches help feed the poor, shelter the homeless and provide basic necessities. That’s especially true now with so many unemployed.

“So these are not just people who are part of our churches but also people who are part of our community,” said Young.

With a lack of funds those programs and the people who use them will suffer.

So, Rev. Everett says they are asking churches with more to donate funds or their skills and she encourages anyone to either ask for help or donate to One Church Fund.

“So we invite everyone, everyone to give what they can and ask for what they need through One Church Fund."

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