Each week, Belmont UMC welcomes neighbors who come through our doors seeking not only spiritual support but also material help. Often, these visitors are experiencing homelessness or are in crisis, and they may ask members of our congregation for money.
We know how deeply our Belmont family values compassion, generosity, and hospitality. It is natural to want to respond in the moment when someone shares a need. However, we ask that you not give money directly to individuals who approach you at church. Instead, we encourage you to refer people to Community Care Fellowship (CCF), an organization that Belmont supports financially.
CCF offers resources such as meals, housing assistance, counseling, and pathways toward stability. By directing those who come to us to CCF, we can ensure that their needs are met in a more sustainable way than a few dollars could ever provide.
If someone approaches you asking for money, please either refer them to a staff member or say: “Belmont UMC partners with CCF to help with food, housing, and other needs. Let me share their information with you.” Click here for details about CCF. Printed handouts can be found in the rack next to the business office or download and print a copy of our CCF handout.