HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic continues, but The Rock Family Worship Center isn't letting that stop them from helping hundreds of people every week.
As unemployment in Huntsville rises, so does the number of people seeking help. Programs with the church, like the Dream Center and Manna House are doing what they can to help those in need.
"Manna House is still going on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and so they've seen somewhat of an uptick of more folks," said Director of Huntsville Dream Center Chirs Mitchell. "We are focusing right now more on our widows and widowers and our foster families, so yes, we are hearing of folks that are losing their jobs or losing income just for the season and hitting some difficult times."
Due to the stay at home order, local schools are no longer passing out meals to their students.
The Rock transformed their summer feeding program. Now, they're giving out grab and go meals to anyone 18 years and younger. Curbside pickup is available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:30am to 12:30pm at Lee High School, Chaffee Elementary, Lakewood Elementary, Ridgecrest Elementary, Highlands Elementary, and McDonnell Elementary.
Students do not have to attend the school where the meals are being handed out to get a meal.
They're also giving nurses with family members who are immunocompromised a place to stay during the pandemic. They say it's a community effort.
"Different businesses have donated, and we've gotten the furniture donated, the food to stock up because we just really want this to be a blessing to those that stay there. They've got enough on them trying to take care of the ones who are sick," said Mitchell.
They say the goal is to ease the minds of people who may be hitting a rough patch right now.
"There's a lot of fear, a lot of anxiety that goes along with this virus, so we just try to spread hope," said Mitchell. "We've got a hashtag called "hope goes viral," so we're just trying to make sure that we inject that into every conversation and into everything that we give out."
They say they have enough food right now but are in need of monetary donations.
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