STANDING WITH ROOF ABOVE
Many of you have likely seen the news that severe storms early last week caused a catastrophic roof collapse at Roof Above’s Day Services Center. While no one was injured, the building that serves as a vital resource for neighbors experiencing homelessness will be out of service for at least six months, and likely longer, as Roof Above begins what is expected to be a $5–10 million restoration effort.
Despite this enormous challenge, Roof Above never stopped serving people. Within hours of the collapse, staff and volunteers had relocated services, resumed healthcare and outreach, and were once again providing meals and essential resources for their neighbors. Their commitment to caring for our community has been remarkable.
For many years, Harrison has been blessed to partner with Roof Above in serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness. In response to this unexpected need, the Harrison Mission Ministry Team has approved a significant financial gift to help Roof Above begin its recovery efforts and continue providing these critical services.
While this gift will help meet immediate needs, the work of recovery will continue for many months. As we continue our longstanding partnership with Roof Above, there are many meaningful ways our church family can support their work in the weeks and months ahead.
One of Roof Above’s greatest current needs is for groups to prepare sandwiches or assemble bagged lunches for distribution through their Day Services Center. These items are prepared off-site and delivered to Roof Above, where they become an important source of nourishment for hundreds of neighbors each day. This is a wonderful opportunity for Sunday school classes, Bible studies, small groups, workplaces, neighborhood organizations, families, or any gathering of friends to serve together. Groups do not need to be affiliated with Harrison to participate. Whether you’re part of a Harrison ministry or another community organization, consider inviting your group to spend an evening serving together in this simple but meaningful way.
If you’re interested in coordinating a meal-preparation event through Harrison, please contact Becky Kelly.
Additional Ways to Help
Serve a meal at one of Roof Above’s shelters (ages 18+)
Contact: [email protected]
Serve drinks during lunch at the Day Services Center (ages 18+)
Contact: [email protected]
Host a collection drive or assemble Welcome Home Kits or Fresh Start Kits
Contact: [email protected]
General volunteer opportunities
Contact: Christine DeLia at [email protected]
Those wishing to support Roof Above financially are encouraged to give directly to Roof Above so they can respond where the need is greatest throughout the recovery process.
Give Online:
https://www.roofabove.org/donate/
Recovery will take time, and so will our commitment to walking alongside our neighbors. Thank you for being part of that work.
At Harrison Church, we believe in living out our faith beyond the walls of our church building. Our Missions Page is a hub of inspiration and opportunity, where you can learn about the various ways we are impacting our local community and beyond. Explore our missions initiatives, get involved, and discover how you can make a difference in the world around you. Together, let’s embody the love and compassion of Christ as we serve others and share the hope of the gospel.
Harrison’s Newcomer Sponsorship Team is preparing to welcome a refugee from Afghanistan in the coming days through the Sponsor Circle Program and No One Left Behind—two organizations dedicated to helping Afghan allies who supported the U.S. military and were forced to flee for their safety.
Together, we are creating a soft place to land for a family seeking refuge and renewal. From setting up a home to providing job support, we’re walking alongside them for their first 90 days in the U.S.—but we can’t do it without your help.
Here’s how you can show up with generosity and hope:
• Donate to the church (memo: Newcomer Sponsorship)
• Contribute to our GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/1986343a
• Shop our Amazon Wishlist: bit.ly/humcfamily
We need to raise $15,000–$20,000 to support a family of 6–8—covering rent, groceries, clothing, and basic household needs.
This is a holy invitation to live differently. To say thank you to those who sacrificed. To build community with grace. To be part of a story of transformation.
Will you join us?
From nourishing the hungry and empowering children, to providing safe housing, standing for justice, and extending care across borders—our mission is to serve with compassion and transform lives through love in action.
Inspiring hope and opportunity for children and families by meeting essential needs and supporting education.
Nourishing our community by ensuring everyone has access to healthy, sustaining meals.
Creating pathways to safe, stable housing and offering hope for a new beginning.
Extending love and support beyond borders through education, housing, and healthcare.
Standing for justice by caring for creation, supporting survivors, and helping neighbors in crisis.
Offering ESL classes to build relationships, break down barriers, and share Christ’s love by empowering our neighbors through language.