What started as a simple request for temporary housing assistance made through 111Project’s CarePortal turned into an inspiring story of community action and lifechanging provision for a family in need. At the end of 2024, a Sequoyah County family, facing unsafe living conditions due to an ongoing brown recluse spider infestation, received astonishing support thanks to the collaboration of local churches, businesses, and volunteers in the community.
111Project’s CarePortal plays an integral role in connecting the people who have resources and want to help with families and children who need help but do not have the resources. For example, a set of parents may be doing everything in their power to reunify with their biological child after removal but are unable to afford the twin bed – a tangible need – that is necessary to obtain before their child can come home.
In this case, the family’s caseworker would vet the need and then post the details for the request on the CarePortal platform. CarePortal would then alert the enrolled churches in the community of the need, prompting the churches to respond and help meet the need.
When Jonathan Richardson, Community Coordinator for 111Project in Sequoyah County, responded to the request alongside a caseworker, he discovered that the family’s situation was far more severe than just a temporary pest problem.
Structural issues made their home unlivable, and the family had already started to make plans to move into an abandoned bus on their property before the winter season came. Recognizing the urgency, Richardson mobilized local faith leaders, caseworkers, and community members to collaborate on finding a solution.
Within weeks, a coalition of churches and businesses came together to transform the abandoned bus into a fully functional home. Volunteers and financial supporters worked tirelessly to: – Clean up the surrounding property – Install flooring and insulation – Build six beds and storage space – Connect electricity to the bus – Repair a nearby water well for running water access Additionally, a “church-entered need” request on 111Project’s CarePortal allowed the congregation members of enrolled churches to contribute essential items, labor, and services to aid the family. The overwhelming response showcased the impact that combined faith and action can have on a family in need.
This effort of transforming the bus into a home was made possible by the generosity and dedication of several churches, including United Faith Church, Sallisaw SDA Church, First Baptist Church of Sallisaw, The BOD, and First Christian Sallisaw, along with contributions from numerous local businesses.
Today, the family is still together, and life is going well in their busturned- home.
Churches across Oklahoma are invited to enroll in 111Project’s CarePortal – completely free of charge – to help meet the real-time needs of families in their communities. To learn more and sign up, visit 111project.org/ careportal or contact the team at 111project.org/ contact-us.
