How do I respond?

One evening recently, my husband and I were sitting on the sofa after a long day when someone knocked at the door. We both looked at each other, really hoping the other person would have the energy to hop up and answer the door. Neither of us moved. In fact, we waited so long that we finally laughed, and then both got up at the same time.

Sometimes, I know someone should respond; I just don’t want it to have to be me, personally!

With the number of families facing homelessness at a record high and the affordable housing crisis affecting families with diverse backgrounds and stories, most of us know that the Body of Christ – the church community – should be mobilizing to provide relationships, support and housing impact. But perhaps we want it to be someone else in our church who does it, or another church.

But like Isaiah of old, who hears God say, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” – is it time for each of us to respond with, “Here am I; send me!”

To say yes to serving our next family, we need our next Neighboring Volunteer group! And with a record number of families calling Bridge of Hope for help right now, the Body of Christ has a deeper invitation to engage than ever before! To serve a family in Bridge of Hope, they need a group of 6-10 Neighboring Volunteers from a church (or Bible study group or two churches together) that is ready and trained to walk alongside them. And in most of our 20 locations, the limiting factor right now to serving the next family is the need for a group of Neighboring Volunteers.

What if a family facing homelessness was literally knocking at your door? Would you get up from the sofa and respond to the family in front of you?

Latisha is a mom of two boys, ages 4 and 9. She moved into a shelter 6 months ago when she could no longer pay rent after her car broke down and she subsequently lost her job due to lack of transportation. She has until August 30 before she has to leave the shelter. Latisha, Aaron and James are knocking.

And so are many more families.

Alethia* and her daughter Samantha met their Neighboring Volunteers last month. After the initial “launch night” when they met their Neighboring Volunteers, Alethia said she “felt seen” in a powerful way because no one has ever asked her what she wanted or what her dreams were before.

I am grateful for the deep love that Neighboring Volunteers pour into families like Alethia and Samantha – and many more families like them.

A family is knocking. How might you respond?

Bible Study for Small Groups

Later this fall, Bridge of Hope will launch a 4-part Bible study for small groups to use, focusing primarily on the Book of Ruth. Let me know if you’d like more information about it when it is released and I’ll make sure you get a copy.

A Million Reasons to Celebrate!

The 22nd Annual Bridge of Hope Golf Classic held on July 22, 2025, co-hosted by Signature Custom Cabinetry, Inc and Bomberger’s Store Inc., brought together more than 200 golfers—a record turnout—for a day of sport and generosity. This year, we hit a major milestone: $1 million raised over 22 years to support families facing homelessness. Watch the recap video to see how it all began, the impact it’s made, and the community that made it possible.

Thank you to every golfer, sponsor and volunteer who helped make this moment unforgettable!