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Need does not come in one form. Neither should help.

For more than four decades, Interfaith Emergency Services has helped Marion County neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, medical needs, and crisis — without judgment.

Interfaith Emergency Services community outreachThe Shoestring Shepherd book cover
01

When a community saw a gap, faith stepped into it.

In 1983, Marion County’s pastoral community recognized that people in crisis needed one coordinated place to turn. Interfaith Emergency Services grew from that conviction.

Emergency assistance. Without judgment.

Today, Interfaith serves individuals and families with food, clothing, shelter, housing support, prescription assistance, showers, counseling-related support, identification help, work-related assistance, and more.

02

One need often hides another.

A family may come for food and also need work boots. A person experiencing homelessness may need a shower, clean clothes, an ID, medication support, and someone willing to advocate for them. Interfaith is built to see the whole person.

250+Volunteers described by IES as the backbone of its daily work.
6 mealsEach Food 4 Kids backpack provides six meals for a child’s weekend.
GiveExplore one-time or monthly gifts and requested supplies.
ServeFind opportunities for individuals and groups to help.

Program facts and options published by Interfaith Emergency Services: volunteer opportunities, Food 4 Kids, and ways to give.

Feed the hunger. Restore the dignity. Help the person move forward.

03

I know this ministry from the inside.

BridgeBuilder founder Chris Cahill has been proud to serve alongside Interfaith for years through social work, pastoral counseling, and ministry. This is not an organization chosen from a directory. It is work he has watched up close.

That matters because BridgeBuilder is not trying to become every ministry. We want to help trustworthy ministries become easier to find, understand, and support.

04

Love gets specific.

Jesus’ description of neighbor-love refuses to stay abstract. In Matthew 25:35–40, hunger, welcome, clothing, sickness, and imprisonment become places where love is practiced.

Feed someone. Clothe someone. Visit someone. Help someone stand again.

Interfaith gives local Christians, churches, businesses, families, and volunteers a place to do exactly that.

See a need.
Meet it.

Love your neighbor close enough to know a name.

Choose one practical next step: give through IES, bring requested supplies, or explore individual and group volunteer opportunities. IES manages its donations, current needs, and program details.

The Shoestring Shepherd book cover
READ ALONGSIDE THE MISSION

The Shoestring Shepherd

Use what is in your hands. A small-church playbook for serving with purpose before you have perfect resources.

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