A Hunger Grant awarded jointly to Christ Lutheran Church in Duncannon and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Newport became part of a much larger story of community collaboration for neighbors experiencing hardship in Perry County.
At the heart of this effort was the creation of the Perry County Warming Center, the first initiative of its kind in the county to offer a safe, welcoming space for individuals experiencing homelessness during the winter months. Churches, nonprofits, community volunteers, and local businesses came together to ensure that vulnerable neighbors had warmth, meals, dignity, and human connection during the coldest season of the year.
The Hunger Grant helped provide essential support for the ministry of hospitality at the warming center, including resources that allowed volunteers to prepare and
share meals with guests throughout the winter season. The center was a visible expression of what is possible when a community works together in service of its neighbors.
Although the warming center was ultimately unable to continue beyond its first season due to organizational challenges, the impact of the grant continued. Christ Lutheran Church continued to respond to hunger and community need throughout Perry County. The grant 
supported local children through back-to-school snack initiatives, offered direct assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness, and helped launch “Meal-in-a-Bag” kits distributed through the Little Food Pantry at Trail Laundry in Duncannon. These easy-to-prepare meal kits provided practical nourishment and care for community members facing food insecurity.
Even now, resources purchased through the grant continue serving travelers and guests in the Duncannon community in Christ’s name.