Crisis Resource Hub

Sponsored by the Social Work Board

In moments of hardship or unexpected crisis, the House of God Social Work Board is committed to offering guidance, stability, and compassionate support. This Crisis Resource Hub brings together trusted tools, emergency contacts, and practical next steps to help individuals and families navigate difficult seasons.

Food Resources

Access dependable food support through national directories, local programs, and community-based initiatives.

National Food Directories

School Nutrition Programs (CEP)
Many districts participate in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), offering:

  • Free breakfast and lunch

  • After-school meals in some areas

Visit your state Department of Education or local school board website for eligibility and meal schedules.

Share Tables
Some schools provide “share tables” where students may take home unopened food items—an important resource for families experiencing food insecurity. Check with neighborhood schools for availability.

Restaurant Meal Assistance

  • Many restaurants offer free meals on select days or holidays

  • Some programs serve the first 100 visitors

  • Due to liability, surplus food may not be redistributed without following approved donation pathways

  • Churches seeking partnerships should use official donation channels

United Way Local Resources (211)

Dial 211 or visit 211.org to connect with transportation resources in your area, including:

  • Non-emergency medical transportation

  • Local mobility programs

  • Disater Recovery

  • Housing & utility Expenses
  • Caregiver Resources
  • Food Programs & Benefits

 

Lyft Ride Programs
In some regions, Lyft offers rides for medical appointments, grocery access, and job interviews. Availability varies—check with your local United Way for details.

Mental Health Support (988)

For emotional distress, mental health crises, or urgent counseling needs, call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
This national hotline connects you with:

  • Crisis counseling

  • Local mental health resources

  • Emergency support (including connection to 911 when necessary)

Additional guidance:

 

  • Family Response to an Emotional Event (document provided separately)

Soup Night Toolkit

Community Soup Night Initiative

A simple and meaningful way for congregations to support one another through shared meals.

  • Volunteers sign up as cooks and choose the days they can prepare a dish

  • Families contribute ingredients such as rice, beans, potatoes, or other items that blend well into a shared soup

  • All ingredients are combined into a warm, nourishing meal for the entire group

This initiative fosters fellowship, reduces food waste, and ensures every household has access to a comforting meal.

Preparedness Plans

Being ready for emergencies helps protect both families and congregations.

Household Preparedness
Every family is encouraged to maintain a 3–5 day supply that includes:

  • Water

  • Non-perishable food

  • Medications

  • Flashlights

  • First aid items

  • A small amount of cash
    Low-cost water filters are also recommended.

Church Preparedness
Churches should consider:

  • Emergency communication plans

  • Designated meeting points if cell service fails

  • Posting situational awareness guides online

  • Keeping hard-copy emergency plans on hand

  • Using long-range walkie-talkies during grid outages

Documents included in this section:

  • Situational Awareness Guide

  • Family Emergency Plan

  • Church Emergency Plan

Seed & Gardening Resources

Growing food is a powerful way to build long-term resilience.

  • Encourage seed-saving from household produce

  • Many dollar stores and home-improvement stores donate end-of-season seed packets

  • Micro-gardening techniques allow families to grow fresh food even in small spaces

Walmart & Meijer Donation Instructions

Walmart and Meijer offer produce and near-date food donations to support community outreach.

Important Notes

  • Requests must be made in person using store forms

  • Phone requests are often redirected and may not be accepted

  • Avoid accepting perishable items unless same-day distribution is planned

Holiday Outreach Examples
Many churches assemble:

  • Food boxes

  • Baby items

  • Winter clothing

  • Gift cards for perishable goods

These items help families meet essential needs during high-demand seasons.

Additional Resources

Situational Awareness

Help young people build confidence and stay safe with this practical guide to teaching awareness without creating fear.

This document walks through core concepts, real-world strategies, and easy-to-teach habits that strengthen alertness in everyday life.

Click to view

Family Emergency Plan

Equip your household with a clear, actionable plan to stay safe and connected during any emergency.

This document walks you through creating a family communication strategy, assembling a comprehensive home emergency kit, and preparing for hazards specific to your area.

Click to view

Church Emergency Plan

Learn how to strengthen your congregation’s safety through a unified emergency strategy that equips leaders, volunteers, and members to respond confidently in a crisis.

This document outlines a step-by-step approach to forming a church emergency team, assessing risks, implementing security measures, and practicing preparedness together.

Click to view

Family Response to An Emotional Event

Emotional events—whether personal, communal, or unexpected—can shake the sense of stability within a household.

A thoughtful, connected family response helps reduce stress, supports healing, and strengthens relational bonds. This guide offers practical steps for families navigating an emotionally challenging moment.

Click to view