The story below is about a ministry of the First Baptist Church of Cheyenne, which is a recent recipient of the Matthew 25 Grant, sponsored by ABCUSA.

Sometimes it only takes a small hand up to help people move from homelessness to independence. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, the Comea House Homeless Shelter is working to provide that hand up.

A member of First Baptist Church of Cheyenne is working with Comea House to provide a church for the residents of the shelter. In addition to providing worship and Bible study for the residents, Pastor Rick Morse is also able to help with some of their physical needs with help from an ABCUSA Matthew 25 Grant.

Cheyenne can be very cold in the winter, making walking long distances not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Twenty-five individuals were assisted with bus tokens, allowing them to get to work or to interviews. A few others received bus tickets allowing them to return to their home cities, where there are family members who could assist them.  One received a tank of gas for his car, allowing him to search for a job.  Not only did he get a job, but he also used the gas to help others at the shelter get where they needed to go.  Two individuals received help with the deposits necessary to move into independent housing.

A little boy from the shelter fell and broke his arm. He was treated at a local hospital, but the family was unable to afford the pain medication that was prescribed.  The ABCUSA Matthew 25 funds were able to purchase his needed medication, along with medication for several other residents of the shelter.

Homelessness is a complex issue with many causes. Yet dignity and respect are the right of every child of God.  At Comea House, the ABCUSA Matthew 25 grant is helping provide that dignity and respect in a tangible way.

The Matthew 25 Grant, sponsored by ABCUSA, is funded by a generous donor whose goal is to help meet the needs of “housing, feeding, education and health with regard to the less fortunate.” Ministries must be in relationship with American Baptist Churches to be eligible to apply.  Awards for the Matthew 25 grant are made twice a year, in April and October, with application deadlines of March 1 and September 1. To view the guidelines and download the application form, click here.