FOOD FOR FAMILIES
(A MINISTRY OF PRAISE CHAPEL)
590 HANCOCK ROAD
BULLHEAD CITY, ARIZONA 86442
PH. (928) 758-8986
We invite you to share our vision…
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will He pay him again. PROVERBS 19:17
AN OVERVIEW
In the Bullhead City Region, which encompasses Bullhead City, Golden Valley, Mohave Valley, Laughlin and Needles, the population swells in the winter months to over 86,000. Approximately 15,000 will return to homes around the nation as summer heat increases. Of the remaining population, WACOG has identified over 30% as “at risk” in areas ranging from insufficient income to support their families to imminent homelessness.
The above chart represents over 2,600 homeowners and over 2,900 renters in the general region that have, in a period of six months or less, applied for assistance (i.e. food, utility/fuel, rental and other general assistance). Households with a disability, be it physical, developmental, or mental, often need housing assistance in addition to targeted supportive services. Providing support to such persons can often prevent homelessness and foster self-sufficiency necessary for the emotional and financial health of the individual. In WACOG, households earning under 50% of the median “with problems” (cost burdened, overcrowded or living in substandard housing) also held a mobility or self-care limitation, suggesting the need for supportive housing. Of the identified households, 39% were owners and 61% were renters. Mohave County holds a disproportionate percentage of the need (source – Crystal & Company, Scottsdale, Arizona).
Food For Families has recognized the continued need for support of those at risk in our communities for over a decade and has strived to meet these needs with compassionate service. In any given week we distribute over 6,000 pounds of food. In recent years we have begun to serve those in our communities with insufficient housing. The Agape House ministers to homeless men with issues ranging from substance abuse to histories of running afoul of the legal system. By applying Scriptural Principles along with self-motivating life skills the success rate for those availing themselves of the program is nearly 100%
MEETING NEEDS…
AND CHANGING LIVES…
THE NEED CONTINUES…
IDENTIFYING CRICTICAL AREAS
In recent years this region has experienced a ten-fold increase in its transient population. In proportion to this increase is the inherent rise in assaults, property crime, narcotics trafficking and abuse, alcohol abuse and other social ills too numerous to mention. On any given day more than 150 men, women and children are without shelter for the night and over 70 % of these are the chronically homeless. The nearest shelter available to these individuals is in Las Vegas but an inquiry will reveal that very seldom are beds open for new clients. There are numerous reasons for homelessness but one thing each of these individuals have in common is none wish to be.
In interviews with those seeking shelter for the night the question was posed were none available what would they do? The answers varied from sleeping in cars, doorways, alleyways, parks or go to businesses that were open all night and “hang out.”
The American Medical Association has chronicled a miasma of diseases common to the homeless including tuberculosis and other airborne spread illnesses. One can only imagine the results of allowing the disease of chronic homelessness to continue unchecked.
To describe the horrors children face in the families of the homeless is heartrending.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Food For Families and the ministries of Praise Chapel are dedicated to treating individuals with the respect and dignity we all wish to receive as Children of God. We believe that change can only come by applying Christian values to everyday life and by applying Scriptural Principles to resolve problematic areas that affect us all. Our mission is to reach out to those individuals with hope for the future and relief for today. We will be the shelter in the storm, the hand outstretched in friendship and the hand up to self-sufficiency.
WHO WE ARE
The ministries of Praise Chapel operate as a charitable organization under a 501c3 charter. We are a United Way Agency in good standing and are recognized by numerous members of the community as a vital support agency serving those in need. In addition to the church operations and outreach programs we operate a children’s ministry and a fully accredited bible college: Homestead College of the Bible.
Our Board of Directors includes Pastor Allen E. Cates, ThD.D.D.; Chairman and Pastor of Praise Chapel in Bullhead City, Arizona; Pastor Randy Williams, Infrastructure Superintendent for Bullhead City and Outreach Ministries for Praise Chapel; Pastor Frank Kanc, Chaplin for Hospice in the Tri-State Area, Assistant Pastor of Praise Chapel and a tenured Professor at Homestead College of the Bible; Evangelist Billy Hall, Secretary of Praise Chapel International and Global Harvest Ministries; and Pastor Royce Williams, Director of the House of Agape.
THE VISION
