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Across the Baltimore-Washington and Peninsula-Delaware conferences, congregations are responding with compassion and courage to meet the real needs of their neighbors. To support and expand this work, the conferences are launching the Love in Action Grant, a microgrant program designed to help churches care for individuals and families facing economic, food, immigration and health care challenges.
The conferences are also introducing the Community Care Network, a digital platform that allows United Methodist ministries to post needs and respond in real time, strengthening collaboration and shared impact across the region. Congregations already engaged in ministries such as food access, community meals, benevolence care, housing support, immigration assistance or health navigation are especially encouraged to apply.

Apply here: Love in Action Fund Grant Application
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Love in Action Grants may be used to expand food ministries; provide direct household assistance; support medical or transportation needs; assist immigrant families through accompaniment or navigation services; deepen partnerships; and increase outreach capacity.
The Love in Action Grant is one expression of United to Love, a shared commitment to live out Christ’s call to mercy, justice and care for neighbors.

Learn more at united2love.org.
Love boldly. Serve joyfully. Lead courageously.
During recent federal government shutdowns, many individuals and families across our region experienced uncertainty and hardship, including disrupted access to food, benefits, and essential services.

While the federal government has since reopened and most benefits have resumed, the lessons from that season remain essential. Economic disruptions, whether caused by shutdowns, layoffs, natural disasters, or other crises, can happen with little warning.

As people of faith, we remain committed to ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry and that communities are equipped to respond with compassion, dignity, and hope. The resources below reflect both what was used during the shutdown and what remains relevant for ongoing support and future preparedness.

​​Note: Some resources below were activated during a federal government shutdown and may no longer be in effect. Links are retained where programs or services continue to be useful during other economic disruptions.
How Congregations Can Respond to Economic Disruption & Community Need
We can listen and respond with faithful actions that strengthen:
a.) Material Assistance
During recent economic disruptions, state and local governments activated emergency resources to support affected workers and families. Congregations are encouraged to stay informed about current state and local assistance programs and share accurate, up-to-date information with their communities. ​
​West Virginia has also allocated funds to provide emergency food assistance.

Use findhelp, a searchable regional directory of food, housing, financial, transportation, and health resources, to find local help by zip code.
>>Share findhelp on your church’s website, social media, and bulletins.
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>>Apply for General Board of Global Ministries’ “Feeding Our Neighbors” Grants

Ministry Tips
  • Update or create a church-based resource list including local food banks, transportation options, thrift stores, and unemployment resources.
  • Strengthen pantry ministries to offer sustained support. Consider mobile pantries and partnerships with local grocers.
  • Adopt-a-family or meal-chain initiatives, matching volunteers to families in crisis.
b.) Strength Through Connection
  • Congregational Networking & Coordination Survey. A quick, three-minute survey to connect congregations, share stories, and ensure resources reach every community in need.
  • Congregational Care Networks. Organize disciples for rides, grocery runs, check-ins, and provide emotional support for vulnerable members, including immigrants, seniors, and federal employees.
  • Immigration and Neighbor Care. Ensure all ministries are accessible and safe for immigrants. Refer to our Protocol for Congregations Navigating Immigration Concerns (link to resource).
c.) Pastoral Care & Mental Health 
Economic distress carries deep emotional and spiritual burdens; anxiety, shame, and fear among them. Together, we can:
  • Promote mental health awareness and early intervention. Promote the 988 hotline for emotional support 24/7. 
  • Partner with local mental-health centers.
  • Access online mental health information.
  • Offer sermons or small groups focused on faith amid fear, loss, and hope.
  • Regularly check in on federal employees and contractors in your congregation.
d.) Employment Support & Coaching
  • Host or partner for job-search workshops, résumé clinics, and networking sessions. Visit workforce development center websites in your area for additional resources.
  • Encourage mentorship among congregation members.
  • Partner with community colleges or workforce agencies so your church becomes a trusted referral hub.
e.) Community Advocacy
  • Rooted in our United Methodist Social Principles, congregations can raise their prophetic voice by:
    • Supporting living-wage policies and community food-security programs.
    • Advocating for expanded mental-health access and affordable prescription drugs.
    • Praying with and for public, corporate, and non-profit leaders—holding both compassion and justice as sacred commitments.
  • Join the United to Love Network to receive updates, resources, and coordination opportunities across our region.
    >> United to Love:  Stay Informed. Stay Equipped. 
f.) Legal Aid
Know Your Rights/Legal Need Assistance:
Creating Churches as Safe Spaces for All Vulnerable and Othered Groups
g.) Financial Assistance
h.) Housing, Gas and Electric (Energy) and Banking
i.) Health Care Coverage
j.) Supporting Unhoused and Immigrant Neighbors 

Resources for Veterans

Many Federal employees and contractors are veterans. In addition to the other identified resources, there are services designed specifically for veterans.
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