CityServe for “1DayHouston” to provide nearly 100 churches

HOUSTON — On Saturday, April 29, churches and parachurch organizations from across the region descended on metro Houston to lend a helping hand to neighbors enduring varying levels of hardship. In partnership with Love Has No Limits (LHNL) for 1DayHouston, CityServe International resourced 96 local churches so they can provide tangible support as part of the city-wide movement of 250+ outreaches. Though exact reporting numbers are still being finalized, it is estimated that nearly $1.6 million of goods-in-kind were distributed at 1DayHouston.

CityServe International partners with Love Has No Limits for 1DayHouston to provide churches in the region with over $1.6 million in resources — Clothing items stacked in preparation for distribution at 1 Day Houston. (Photo credit: CityServe International)

Prior to 1DayHouston, CityServe equipped these same 96 local churches with $1.86 million worth of goods-in-kind that were distributed through the “Last Mile of Need” from November 2022 through March 2023. More than 2,000 families and 7,000 individuals have received personalized assistance with essentials such as food, clothing, cleaning supplies, furniture and more.

“We love the City of Houston, and more importantly, the people of Houston,” said Dave Donaldson, Co-Founder and CEO of CityServe International. “This is a large, vibrant city, and it continues to grow. As needs get bigger, and hardships abound, our vision is for local churches to be the center of the city in offering tangible help, hope, and love. Playing this critical part in ensuring 1DayHouston reached as many residents as possible has been a tremendous honor. We know this past weekend was the catalyst for blessing Houston 365 days a year moving forward.”

Since November 2022, CityServe has been training and equipping these churches to meet the urgent needs of their respective communities, and to help kick-off 1DayHouston the past weekend. While a lot of preparation took place months in advance for 1DayHouston, CityServe has laid the groundwork for permanent presence in the region, anchored in local churches across the metro region.

“The success of 1DayHouston was predicated on strategic partnerships across the community and national partners like CityServe,” said Ashley Eure, LHNL communications director. “The movement was about uniting thousands of people to make history around loving and serving their city. Resourcing faith communities through CityServe so they can empower families in need elevated 1DayHouston and strengthens the LHNL movement long-term.”

CityServe International was given birth out of the idea that local churches provide the best way to reach communities in need with unwavering compassion. They train, equip, and mobilize local churches to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in their respective communities. CityServe networks are now in 15 states and in 6 countries.

About CityServe

CityServe is a collaborative network of churches and community leaders who help those in need live better lives. CityServe empowers the local church to fulfill its purpose to overcome despair and transform lives by resourcing them with tangible goods and capacity building. CityServe brings the church to the table to address community challenges by offering long-lasting relationships that lead to transformation and has been designated a “Community of Faith and Opportunity” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.