About Us
Founded in New Orleans in 1985, Community Christian Concern (CCC) of New Orleans received a mission from the Lord to aid the poor.
Funding came through private donors and supporting churches. Its humble beginning was in a small, one room house. The beginning program was Church Link. Churches would refer their needy calls to CCC. Calls were screened and needs of food, clothing and financial assistance were given as funding was provided. Church Link, through its computer data, revealed those going from church to church for their needs rather than finding a job. The need to help people to help themselves led us into our next program, Life Skills.
A 1500 sq. ft. space was made available, a donor provided a months rent, the landlord discounted the rent and our Life Skills Program was offered, at no cost, to our callers. We opened a small “Boutique” which provided a dignified way to “dress for success”.
A church grant provided the funding to purchase the Adkins Life Skills Program. This program revealed a tremendous need in our Community. The five day a week program uncovered the hidden talents and gifts of the individuals. This gave participants a better self esteem and birthed hope. This environment of structure and required attendance (needed skills to be successful in the work place) was a first for many. In addition to the onsite classes; classes were held in homeless shelters.
The next obvious need was transitional housing. A place where those willing to help themselves would have an extended time period of at least one year to get their lives in order. This required learning other life skills such as, money management, saving, parenting skills, home upkeep and basic community skills. Once accepted into our program, CCC encouraged participants to attend a church of their choice to begin their community involvement.
CCC obtained 5 houses from HUD and began its Transitional Housing Program. Because the program expenses were growing faster than the private funding, CCC applied for, and received, funding from the City. CCC also joined with Unity, the homeless program for New Orleans.
By 2005, CCC had 7500 sq. ft. of operating space with all programs up and running. The program was recognized by the community for its long gevity, growth and, most important, its success in changing lives.
THEN KATRINA
Everything lost…houses flooded…staff and supporters scattered
What to do?
No hesitation now, people needed help more than ever!
In January of 06 the founder of CCC and one faithful volunteer for 21 years, started all over.
THE SECOND TIME AROUND
After helping the employees, all of which lost their homes, the bank account was drained. CCC’s facility, along with most records, was gone. No supporters and no City or Unity funding.
First office was the car, then the home, then a donated space with full time volunteer staff of two setting up office and beginning all over.
There were those faithful, from the beginning supporters, who once again made a way for us to continue.
From January of 06 to Aug of 07 CCC has, once again, become a life line for many. Beginning by accessing the needs, always with the needs of children at the forefront of any assistance, help is given in various ways. CCC received one grant from the Foundation of the Mid South for $10,000.00. All $10,000.00 went directly to those in need. A local church joined with us, providing funds for miscellaneous needs of the callers they refer.
Then Unity directed a grant to us from the nation of ”Katar” to repair one of our transitional homes. It is near completion. CCC was donated a trailer by a local church. There is a mom and two children, in transition, living there.
Our goal is to; once again, help people to get in the position to help themselves. By using private funding CCC works faster, more economical and helps more people, and with much less, un-needed, un-called for, stress.
As funding is made available, CCC’ will get our Life Skills and additional transitional housing up and running.
CCC asks for your prayers.