Lending Hope Initiative

The Lending Hope Initiative is a program introduced by Warren Ministries United to address housing issues for low to middle income families. Funds are often allocated for utilities, but they deplete quickly, resulting in periods without available assistance. We aim for a more reliable and sustainable project to support rent and mortgage payments, utility payments, and deposits. This goal has led to the establishment of the Lending Hope Initiative.

Let’s use an example: A grant of $10,000 is given to a charity or government organization to make payments for those about to have their utilities shut off. How long do you think this will last? Maybe a week at best? It will dissipate quickly and once it is gone the effort is over. Now imagine if these funds were given out in small, NO INTEREST loans, that are paid back over time with generous repayment arrangements. Funds are then recovered that can again be loaned out to others in need. There will be some loss, but it is mitigated and allows funding gained to be added to an existing program, as opposed to being used up until the next time. This makes the initiative more sustainable.

How is the program mitigated? Each applicant must complete a budget to show their spending and their repayment ability. Payments are made directly to the required agency, and automatic withdrawals from their bank accounts align with their payday. Additionally, no further assistance is given until previous debts are cleared. These measures aim to discourage misuse and support those in genuine need.

What are the benefits for someone who uses Lending Hope Initiative? Besides receiving an interest-free loan for necessary payments, applicants can access additional services. We review lease agreements to ensure they understand the terms. We also inspect the premises and document their conditions before acceptance to protect both parties, the landlord and the tenant. Upon repayment of the principal, a favorable report will be added to their credit history to enhance their rating.

How can you help? Your donation will aid those with housing issues. If you are in Warren County, NC or nearby, please consider volunteering. We also welcome participation and input from those interested in joining WMU or its Housing Committee. Click HERE to contact us.

Current Core Members of the WMU Housing Committee

Philip Sharp

WMU Executive Director
WMU Housing Committee Chair
Core Team Member of the Warren County Housing Coalition
Pastor of Warrenton Church of God
US Army Veteran of 20 years’ service

Korita Steverson

Bachelor’s degrees in political science and international management, UNC Asheville
Former Operations Manager for Pet Supplies “Plus”
Cooperative Developer with Carolina Common Enterprise
Serial Entrepreneur currently working on a project called Mag’s Marketplace in Warren County, NC
Recently launched InJeani-us Inc., a 501 (c) 3 to focus on the health and wellness issues

Doris C. Williams-Jones

Bachelor of Social Work, Shaw University, Raleigh
Former Warren County Board of Elections/ Assistant Judge
Warren County Schools Certified Substitute Teacher
Former Supervisor at Wells Fargo Services with NYC Temporary Housing Authority

Audrey M. Hopkins

Bachelor of Science, Richard Stockton University, Pomona NJ
Master of Public Administration, Kean University, Union NJ
NJ Dept. of Community Affairs, Division of Housing - Retired
Current Employer: Alliance Health MCO (Managed Care Organization) - Public Housing Liaison
Member: Warren Ministries United - Housing Committee
Board Trustee: Oziel Charity Foundation, NJ - (501 (c) (3)

Harvey Bender

Bachelor in Business Administration with concentration in Decision Science ECU
Career technologist and consultant, managing federal and state mandated policy changes and critical infrastrucure modernization
WMU Produce Committee Chair

Warren Ministries United Overview

Warren Ministries United is a 501 (c) (3) organization that has a multifaceted mission. A primary part of our mission is to pray for one another and for local, national, and international concerns. The other part is joining together with other churches and community partners in or out of our area to do good in the community.

Current List of Associated Churches and Local Partners With WMU

All Saint’s Episcopal
Antioch Christian Church
Coley Springs Missionary Baptist
Cooks Chapel Missionary Baptist
Emmanuel Episcopal
Jerusalem Missionary Baptist
Jerusalem Global Methodist
Oak Chapel AME
Ridgeway Missionary Baptist
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church
Union Grove Missionary Baptist
Warrenton Church of God
Warrenton Missionary Baptist
Warrenton Presbyterian
Wesley Memorial UMC
Mariam Boyd Elementary School
Northside Elementary School
Vaughn Elementary School
Loaves & Fishes Food Ministry
Mag’s Marketplace
Peanut & Zelb’s Produce Market
Warren County Government
Warren County Public Library
Warren County Sherriff’s Department
Working Landscapes
Trillium Health Resources

Past and Present WMU Activities and Projects

Emergency Homeless Shelters – Emergency shelters for men, women, and families with children
Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry – The donation of a new refrigerator and food items
Blessings in a Bag – Providing snacks in backpacks to school children in need
Tiny Food Pantries – Small community boxes filled with food free to the community
Food Drives – Collecting food items and gift cards for those in need
Clothing Giveaway – Clothing given to those in need at Mag’s Market Place
Racial Healing Service – A combined service of black and white churches
National Day of Prayer – Every year we conduct a prayer service at the courthouse square
Thanksgiving Fellowship Services – A joint service held on the Sunday before Thanksgiving
County Law Enforcement Service – To honor the loss of deputies and their families
Partnership Against Opioid Addiction – Partnering with the recovery initiatives

The County We Serve

32% of households are cost-burdened
24% of households have difficulty affording their homes
54% of renters have difficulty affording their homes
Warren County has a ranking of 42 for evictions from a scale of 1 to 100
The median household income is $45,279
The per-capita income is $31,382
Warren County is ranked 2900 out of 3141 counties in the US for household income

Families that spend more than 30% of income on housing are considered “cost-burdened."

Data taken from the North Carolina Housing Coalition 2024 and US Census Bureau 2023.

Peer to Peer Fundraiser

If you really like what this initiative is trying to accomplish and want to have a further impact with its success, consider doing a peer-to-peer fundraiser in addition to your donation.

To setup a peer-to-peer fundraiser page tied to this fundraiser, click the button just below the goal marker that looks like this:

(This pic is only a visual exampley - click on the one above under the goal marker)

Lending Hope Initiative

Lending Hope Initiative

Team Members