In 2006, Jay and Julie St. Clair helped transform a ramshackle apartment complex known on the street as “The Last Resort” into an urban transitional housing program they christened “God’s Resort.” From the original few units, God’s Resort has expanded to now offer nearly 40 housing units…

For Royce Nelson, Executive Director of the Fuller Center for Housing chapter located in Joplin, MO, material assistance is less about provision and more about partnership. That perspective has shaped the way Fuller Center for Housing approaches charity, inspiring meaningful exchange and quality relationships—in their view, treating their clientele as collaborators rather than charity cases is key to sustainable, development-oriented solutions for those in poverty.

Pastor John “Chip” Boyd recalls that prior to 2011, Journey Church’s ministry focus was almost 100% internal. With a small church of only 130 members, they did not expect to change their predominantly poor urban neighborhood in Joplin, Missouri. When a devastating tornado ripped through their town in 2011, they were jolted to consider how they could help their neighbors. This question was amplified by a Wisconsin-based missions company that used Journey as a platform for a short-term mission trip to assist with tornado rehabilitation.