This major metropolitan region has five ZIP codes where at least 20% of children live in poverty, some where up to 50% are in poverty. Metropolitan Ministries will focus heavily on those five communities this year.
Metropolitan Ministries used $4 million last year in donated funds to pay rental assistance, utility bills and provide food, much of it to those who lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic. As it commemorates the one-year anniversary of its Metropolitan Ministries Emergency Fund, the charity’s goal is to raise at least $2 million this year, or possibly up to $4 million if federal assistance comes through, according to CEO and President Tim Marks.
Marks noted that as many people as the charity helped in 2020, only about 25% of them lived in those five vulnerable ZIP codes. “Either they didn’t know about us or they gave up hope.”
Metropolitan Ministries will work alongside nonprofits already in those areas, providing food and toys at no cost while the boots-on-the-ground organizations build relationships, Marks said.
“We looked at this through a social injustice lens, the hurt in our communities of need and looked at what we can do,” he said. “We developed a purpose-driven strategy to listen to the needs of the community and offer things within our core competency to deliver. We can’t end racism, but we can bring hope to people who have lost hope through social services, rent and utility assistance and food.”
To help, visit the Metropolitan Ministries website to donate and/or sign up as a volunteer. Community food drive proceeds are also welcome, Marks said.
