How We Help

The people of St. Paul's love and value our local community. We take an active role in supporting effective ministries already established in Salem. We also consider developing new programs to meet emerging needs. St. Paul's is also responsive to the wider community through organizations such as Episcopal Relief and Development following natural disasters in other parts of the world.
 

Family Promise

We serve as a support congregation for Family Promise families three weeks a year at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church. These families are homeless and stay in the program for 60-90 days. They are housed in area churches, meals are provided, and job and housing assistance is offered. During our weeks, we provide meals, dinner hosts, and overnight hosts for three of the seven nights.

Salem Area Ecumenical Ministries

This ecumenical group provides free clothing and food to elementary and middle school children at eight area schools. Food is provided in backpacks each weekend during the school year and for the ten weeks of summer vacation. St. Paul's supports this ministry both financially and with volunteers.

Habitat for Humanity

Financial donations are provided to support the work of Habitat as they build and restore houses in the Roanoke Valley.  

Salem Roanoke County Food Pantry

First Sundays of every month are our designated Food Pantry Sundays. Parishioners are encouraged to bring items to donate to the pantry. 

Church School Adoption Project with East Salem Elementary School

We are working with Christian Life International and First United Methodist churches to establish a support network at East Salem Elementary School, a Title 1 school where 55% of their students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch.  We have volunteers who provide snacks, we help fill the clothes and school supply closets, and we are exploring other ways to support teachers and staff.

Episcopal Relief and Development

We provide ongoing financial support in response to disasters such as the recent hurricanes in Puerto Rico, the Gulf Coast, North Carolina, Texas, as well as flooding in West Virginia.