St. Nicholas Giving Fund

“Thy works of justice didst show thee to thy congregation to be the measure of faith.”
from the Troparion to St. Nicholas

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, men and women around the world suddenly found their housing and employment situations in flux. Those who were able began to work from home. Many others saw their hours cut or jobs completely disappear. One of those men in need called St. Nicholas for help. He was caring for his sister and niece and had seen both of his jobs in the food service sector completely cut off. His apartment complex had been sold and while laws had been passed preventing his eviction, he owed around $1500 in back rent to the previous owner. St. Nicholas took on this challenge. We raised funds amongst ourselves and also applied for emergency funds from the Antiochian Archdiocese. We pooled these funds together and attempted to pay off this man’s debts so he and his family could. And this is when a miracle happened. The new landlord was so moved by our Church’s generosity for this stranger that she refused to take the money. She told us that in the midst of this crisis, she didn’t need it and that we should keep it and use it to help others. It was her instruction and her gift of $1500 that started this fund. Since then we have helped dozens of households and distributed over $10,000 to the local community. We have been able to help out with utility payments, moving expenses, car payments, and more.

We take direct requests as well as referrals from Open Door Crisis Assistance. We also refer callers to Open Door. The folks at Open Door are experts in these areas and much better equipped to help. St. Nicholas the Wonderworker commits some funds from our general fund to this cause monthly. We also accept direct contributions.