Congregation Spotlight: First Christian Church of Orange

This week’s Congregation Spotlight highlights First Christian Church of Orange located in Orange, California. This congregation was originally founded in 1883, and moved to its current location in 1960. First Christian Church of Orange welcomes all people that want to be a part of the church community as well as those that strive to live out the teaching of the Bible in their everyday lives. The congregation’s Senior Pastor is Reverend Dr. Dayna Kinkade, and she attempts to bring the community together as disciples of Jesus Christ and children of God.

First Christian Church of Orange has been a host congregation for Family Promise for many years, hosting up to four families, four times a year on their campus in Orange. Charles Geller currently serves as the program Coordinator for the congregation, and he is supported by a core group of amazing volunteers who provide warm meals and hospitality to the families in our program. We are so thankful for this wonderful partnership with such a wonderful congregation!

How To Build Credit While Experiencing Homelessness or Poverty

Maintaining good credit is extremely important in the United States. Being able to maintain good credit allows one to have access to specific financial tools, such as insurance and loans, that can be beneficial for their household. Those experiencing homelessness have a harder time maintaining good credit, which in turn makes it more difficult for them to find affordable housing and avoid the cycle of debt.

It may seem that fixing bad credit is nearly impossible for someone experiencing homelessness or poverty. However, here are a few tips to help get your credit back on track:

1. Check your annual credit report for errors, and to make sure any errors have been corrected.

2. Pay your bills on time! Different payment plans can help you keep track of when your bills are due.

3. Immediately address any missed payments that have occurred.

4. Manage what you spend and buy when using your credit card in order to maintain as low of a balance as possible.

5. When you have a high balance, take initiative and pay your bills early so that they do not go unnoticed.

6. Avoid closing old accounts.

7. Make sure to use both your old and new credit cards in order to maintain a good score.

8. Manage how much credit you are applying for at a time.

9. Make sure to plan ahead by properly assessing your credit card payments and determining if they fit in your budget.

10. Show responsibility so that you can gain trust with your lender.

"Most people are surprised to learn that income is not a factor in their credit scores," says Todd Christensen, education manager of nonprofit debt relief agency Money Fit. "Neither is employment status or housing status."

Anyone can begin to improve their credit score, regardless of income:

1. List all your debts and make a detailed budget

2. Educate yourself

3. Seek out free community resources, such as financial literacy courses

4. Find cheap or free credit counseling

5. Make sure your on-time payments count!

For more resources, please visit:

https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-cards/resources/improving-credit-while-experiencing-poverty/

Congregation Spotlight: Second Baptist Church

This week’s Congregation Spotlight highlights Second Baptist Church located in Santa Ana, California. Second Baptist Church also has a second campus located in Lake Forest, California.We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with this wonderful congregation.

Second Baptist Church is led by Senior Pastor, Ivan S. Pitts. Pastor Pitts began working at Second Baptist Church in October of 2012 and has loved being able to show his passion and love for the teachings of the Bible and God in an energetic way. As a whole, this congregation welcomes all people who strive to learn more about the teachings of God and Jesus Christ, and desire to incorporate those teachings into their everyday lives.

We have been blessed to have Second Baptist Church serve as a host congregation for our families at their Santa Ana campus. Kelita Gardner and Daphne Perkins have helped coordinate the many volunteers who provide meals and support for our families during their stay. Last year during the pandemic, Second Baptist Church was also extremely gracious in allowing us to film our first ever Virtual Gala in their sanctuary. We were so thankful to be able to have a location during a very difficult time for everyone. Second Baptist Church is active not only in supporting the families in our program, but in supporting the Orange County community. We are grateful for their leadership and partnership! Thank you SBC Family!