Churches joining forces to help needy in southwest Lake County
While some optimistic economists say the worst may be over, the recovery is slow in coming for many people across Lake County. Job losses, pay cuts and home foreclosures are still a reality.
Under the leadership of a Lake Zurich-area pastor, at least 14 churches have joined forces in hopes of meeting the needs of people in these situations.
A new "Love in the Name of Christ" chapter will be starting in coming weeks. Love INC is a national organization based in Minneapolis. It connects local churches and assists in coordinating resources to help people who are struggling. The needs vary, but often include furniture items, clothing, food and financial assistance.
"Love INC Southwest" will serve people in Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Island Lake, the Round Lake area and other nearby towns.
The new effort is directed by Eric Lerew, the lead pastor at Fusion Church in Lake Zurich, who said he and others conceived the idea about a year ago.
"A number of people from churches around Lake Zurich came together to help a family in crisis," he said. "After we gave them assistance it became clear there was a need for a bigger and more organized response to people with needs in this part of the county."
There is a Love INC chapter based in Zion, but this new effort will focus on the opposite side of the county. Each chapter is designed to serve around 150,000 people. Lake County is home to more than 700,000 people.
Lerew said around 115 people showed up for an orientation and training session last month. He was encouraged by the interest.
"This isn't just a few people sitting in a living room thinking of good things to do," he said.
The group's first project will be a home renovation in the Lake Zurich area in the coming weeks. The chapter will be at full strength in about six months. Lerew said the group's annual budget will be $100,000 to $150,000 depending on how many churches eventually sign on.
Getting local churches on board wasn't difficult because many congregations are already members of the Catalyst organization, Lerew said. The Libertyville-based group is a network of more than 100 churches in the North suburbs working to help needy people.
"The atmosphere between our churches is highly noncompetitive," said Steve Pugh, pastor of The Chapel's Barrington campus. "We all want to serve." The list includes Baptist, Lutheran and nondenominational Evangelical congregations.
"With the economy the way it is, there are going to be people with needs we've never seen before," Lerew said. "We know that social services agencies are being inundated with requests for help in recent days."
Lerew said they are looking for more volunteers and churches to join. Details can be found at loveincsouthwest.org or by calling (847) 526-0096.
"We are trying to mobilize people to serve," Lerew said. "There are all sorts of opportunities for people to be empowered. I'm excited to see how lives will be transformed."