Caring for Those in Need in North America in 2023

In addition, 170 shelter and housing projects and 261 clean water and food security projects were implemented in North America in 2023.

Housing

Support for Homeless Shelters

In Canada, the Church donated funds to the Old Brewery Mission homeless shelter, one of the oldest in the country. The contribution helped the shelter modernize its facilities and services, providing safer and healthier surroundings and increased privacy and dignity for residents. The renovated shelter will now be able to accommodate 197 individuals nightly.

Helping Individuals Resettle

The Church has also worked with multiple organizations to resettle individuals seeking refuge or asylum. These organizations include:

• The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
• The International Rescue Committee
• The United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
• Many other local agencies

In coordination with one local agency, Al-Misbaah, the Church helped purchase 500 foam mats and other supplies for refugees in Sacramento, California, who were sleeping on the floor.

Food and Water

Rainwater Catch Systems in Mexico

In Mexico, the Church worked with the Building Hope Foundation to install two rainwater catch systems in Pachuquilla, a small community of about 40 families. These new systems, which included drains, filters, and storage tanks, provided families with access to clean water and irrigation for backyard gardens.

Feeding the Hungry

• In the United States, the Church donated funds to Feeding America to help purchase food items for those in need.
• The Church also donated hundreds of truckloads of commodities to key food bank networks across the United States.
• In Canada, the Church donated commodities from bishops’ storehouses to the Mustard Seed charitable organization in Alberta and provided cash donations to the Fort Saskatchewan and Daily Bread food banks to help them expand their distribution capacity.

Women and Children

Maternal and Newborn Care

• In the United States, the Church sponsored a baby shower with the Church of God in Christ to connect over 400 pregnant women with community resources.
• In hopes of combating preventable deaths among Black mothers in South Chicago, the Church is also working with Melanated Midwives to increase doula training and connect at-risk mothers to critical medical services.

Helping Victims of Abuse

Projects to protect women and children from abuse and domestic violence were also undertaken. At the YWCA SafeChoice Domestic Violence Shelter, the Church provided housewares, bedding, kitchen items, air conditioning, and more to improve the shelter’s capacity to help women in need. As a result of the donations and renovations, the shelter will be able to serve over 400 individuals in the coming years.

Overcoming Homelessness and Giving Back

Nneka, a woman from California, struggled with addiction when she was evicted from her apartment with her daughter and grandchildren. Looking for a new place to live, she said, “I called everywhere, but no one could take us in. Finally, the Bay Area Rescue Mission said yes.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collaborates with the Bay Area Rescue Mission, providing individuals like Nneka with the temporary shelter and support they need to work through challenges and get back on their feet. With this help, Nneka says she has been able to overcome her addiction, regain her focus, and even give back by helping other women and children.