We can all agree that this is a very unique and trying time for our country. It is so hard to know what to say to bring comfort, healing, and help. Words often seem trite, disingenuous, or are easily misconstrued. Actions though, they can speak where words fall short. We all have seen the news where it is mostly the negative and hateful actions speaking. As Maya Angelou said,
“Hate has caused a lot of problems in this world but it hasn’t solved one yet”.
Here are some actions we have witnessed at CitiIMPACT that sow seeds of love and kindness to ALL. Actions that BUILD BRIDGES for HOPE and unity, for we are called to “Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly” Micah 6:8
![Block party in Charlotte, NC. Full of joy and respect.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/policemanblockparty.jpg)
![CitiIMPACT volunteers serving community in Florida following hurricane](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhfeeding.jpg)
![Team from Virginia Tech serving in West Virginia. Loving on kids.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhwv.jpg)
![CitiIMPACT volunteers serving own community in SC following flooding.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhladiesfeeding.jpg)
![Teams serving after tornado.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhdisaster.jpg)
![Building HOPE volunteers working on house builds.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhblserv.jpg)
![JD and community leaders in SC following floods.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhjdpolice.jpg)
![Building HOPE delivered in Beaumont, TX](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhboards.jpg)
![Building HOPE build in OH.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhwheelchair.jpg)
![Building HOPE volunteers cool off in TX](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BHgirlsfountain.jpg)
![All ages serve. Teaching them young at a Building HOPE in OH.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhmenboy.jpg)
![Building HOPE in TX](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhmomson.jpg)
![Getting it done!](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhteachyoung.jpg)
![Block Party in Little Rock Arkansas where CitiIMPACT and teams served after tornado.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/blockpartyarkansas.jpg)
![Homework help,hugs, and food as team serves in Charleston, WV.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhwvcamp.jpg)
![CitiIMPACT team building home in the rainforest of Puerto Rico after Hurricane.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/bhpuertorico.jpg)
![One of our all time favorites, Rev. Ealy. He invited our team of 50 to church AND fed them dinner! Charleston, WV.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/revealy.jpg)
![Karma was a candle lighter in our wedding. She lived with us for a short time as a teenager. She served in NJ for a month at the height of Covid-19 and even contracted it herself. She is a hero and we are so proud of her.](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/karma.jpg)
![Founders, JD and Toni Smith, wedding in 1999. It wouldn't have been the same without our kids!](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/weddingkids.jpg)
- Feeding your neighbors who are hungry due to disaster and recently from unemployment (another semi load of chicken is being delivered today in Birmingham!)
- Housing – teams have come together to build and repair homes for the widows, single moms, low income, and disabled who fall between the cracks of insurance in times of disaster. In two weeks another Building HOPE will take place, with houses being shipped to Hurricane torn Bahamas.
- Loving – simply being together (when able to safely!). A hug, a game with kids, times of fellowship and laughter. Starting with our roots in inner-city ministry over 20 years ago, there have been many block parties! Thankful for all the mentors, who step in to be a father to the fatherless. Thankful that today one of those kids (shown below) is now serving the community he grew up in as a policeman and an awesome devoted Dad!
- Giving – We have always counted on you to give in times of disaster. This is likely the greatest disaster we have ever faced. There is no community without need of some kind. Please continue to give to serve those struggling to put food on their plates and a roof over their heads. Please sow kindness and compassion.
![](https://citiimpact.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Terron-CitiImpact.jpg)
Terron, was one of our “kids” 25 years ago. He did not have a father figure but he had amazing strong women who taught him well. We always knew he would be a part of the change. Sadly, his mother was shot and killed 15 years ago by his sister’s boyfriend. Here he is getting a “Make a Difference” award for going above and beyond to end domestic abuse in that same city. He is also ending the cycle of absentee fathers! We are so proud. Pray for him in this time where it is tough to be black … and tough to be blue.