New Report Unveils Essential Role of Faith-Based Groups in Supporting the Underprivileged

By Matthew Holloway |

A recent report from the Center for American Institutions (CAI) at Arizona State University highlights the significant impact of faith-based organizations on issues like housing and food insecurity, addiction, and support for at-risk youth. Titled “A Thousand Points of Light Still Shine,” this study combines research data with insights from influential faith leaders, including Raymond Leo Cardinal Burke, Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr., and Rabbi Pinchas Allouche.

The report emphasizes the often-overlooked contributions of volunteers from diverse congregations. These groups not only provide food and clothing but also assist with rent and utilities, often directing individuals to additional support services. This serves as a call to action, underscoring the importance of protecting religious liberty, which is essential for these organizations to continue their vital outreach.

In the metro Phoenix area, for example, Jewish Family and Children’s Services offers treatment for various health issues and aids those facing food insecurity. The Living Streams Church food pantry in Central Phoenix serves about 5,000 individuals annually, while Catholic St. Vincent de Paul organizes food deliveries for vulnerable community members.

Interestingly, some congregations do not run their own food pantries; instead, they support existing ones. A Jewish temple in Phoenix exemplifies this model by donating time and resources to adjacent pantries. Similar efforts are observed in other local churches, further reinforcing a collaborative approach to community support.

Nationally, the trends observed in Phoenix reflect broader patterns. CAI found that a significant 86% of food pantries in Detroit are faith-based, often operating from church properties with the help of volunteer staff. The report also highlights that four of the top seven drug addiction treatment centers in the Detroit area are faith-driven.

The report underscores the urgency of faith-based organizations in addressing food insecurity, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Rising food prices and stagnant SNAP benefits have left many Americans struggling. Feeding America’s 2023 survey indicates that 65% of food banks have reported an increase in demand, while food pantries face challenges as inflation reduces the efficacy of their donations.

Moreover, the study points out the risk faced by the homeless during Arizona’s sweltering summers. Faith-based groups, like St. Vincent de Paul, provide water and essential supplies at homeless camps, underscoring their role as crucial support systems. Smaller initiatives, such as Sunnyslope Ministries of Hope, also deliver water and personal care items regularly, highlighting the community’s collaborative spirit in times of need.

Rabbi Pinchas Allouche emphasized the invaluable role of faith-based organizations, calling them integral to America’s moral foundation. He urged individuals to engage in acts of kindness, which restore faith in humanity and foster a sense of shared responsibility.

The report resulted in four key recommendations:

• Faith-based organizations should increase public awareness of their programs, potentially through a collective website.
• Media outlets need to focus more on success stories emerged from faith-based initiatives.
• Greater emphasis should be placed on the importance of these charities in local communities by media professionals.
• There is a need for increased public understanding of religious liberty, starting with education on the subject.

Professor Donald Critchlow, CAI Director, noted the paradox that while faith-based organizations’ impact is growing, their efforts coincide with rising secularization and hate crimes against people of faith. He argued that the volunteers’ commitment to their communities illustrates the resilience and relevance of religious organizations today.

Matthew Holloway is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.