Beirut Help
We support two mission workers in the region.  Mission co-worker and World Mission’s regional liaison for Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, the Rev. Elmarie Parker, has been coordinating with partners in Beirut. She has been sheltering-in-place in Oregon since March. Her husband and fellow-mission co-worker, the Rev. Scott Parker, was in Beirut, where he is sheltering-in-place and escaped injury. Global partners in Beirut have reported property damage but no deaths. If you would like to hear their updates, please click here.  In addition to prayers, please consider donating to helping those in need in Lebanon, please click here.

Pandemic related needs
Here are some local organizations that need your help.  We want you to be aware of their needs, both monetary and in terms of physical volunteers,  but please consider those in your household who are at greater risk from COVID19 and act accordingly.  Many of these needs can be acted on right from the safety of your home if you need to take strict precautions because of your own health or the health of someone in your home.


Mt Olivet Community Assistance

1.  Pack boxes/bags of non-perishable food items and toiletries outside at Mount Olivet with social distancing practices and/or
2.  Deliver boxes/bags to our Community Assistance guests in Arlington with contactless delivery.

Million Mask Challenge  provides face masks to first responders, healthcare workers and others on the front lines of the Covid-19 crisis in our community. They are in great need of volunteers to sew, drive, and provide other support. “Sew Ready Kits” make it easy to participate. Go to their website to learn how you can get involved. You can also to to https://www.gofundme.com/f/million-mask-challenge to donate. 

AFAC: Arlington Food Assistance Center Since 1988, the Arlington Food Assistance Center remains dedicated to its simple but critical mission of obtaining and distributing groceries, directly and free of charge, to people living in Arlington, VA, who cannot afford to purchase enough food to meet their basic needs.  AFAC is still based on referrals but are moving to 6 month eligibility to lessen paperwork and increase service.  AFAC is collecting food, monetary donations, and has in person volunteer opportunities.www.afac.org 

New Hope Housing  Since 1978 New Hope Housing has been providing a comprehensive, innovative array of services to homeless families and single adults. New Hope Housing is the oldest and largest provider of shelter beds in northern Virginia.  They are accepting donations and also items on their Amazon wish list. (http://a.co/ce6ElxS).  

THRIVE Arlington Thrive is the only organization in Arlington County, Virginia that provides same-day, emergency financial assistance to County residents who experience sudden financial crisis such as temporary unemployment or illness. This is where people can get rent assistance:  https://arlingtonthrive.org/donate/

Arlington Free Clinic Arlington Free Clinic provides free, high-quality healthcare to low-income, uninsured Arlington County adults through the generosity of donors and volunteers.  You can donate monetarily here: https://www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org/

The Food Bank at Our Lady Queen of Peace  does not require referrals and have seen a sharp rise in needs. This is where a family that does not have a social worker through DHS  can get food assistance. This will help families who have immediate needs while they are going through the DHS process.  Click here to donate monetarily.

Meals on Wheels Has transitioned to weekly deliveries with more food.  Thankfully right now there are plenty of volunteers for Meals on Wheels. We will let you know if that changes.  Please pray for our Meals on Wheels volunteers and for the volunteers and staff in all of these organizations who are serving our neighbors in need.