History

On February 1, 1987 five churches began the Prince William County Homeless Program in partnership with ACTS. Initially housed in the chartering churches and facilitated by volunteers running a winter shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Prince William County. The CCoM program ministry made an offer to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors for a permanent facility to serve constituents throughout Prince William County. In the mid to late 1990’s CCoM created the 501c3 Servants At Work to raise money for the building of the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center. The CCoM supplied the furnishing for the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention, and the center is named after Hilda Barg, the former Woodbridge District County Supervisor. In 2000 to 2003, CCoM advocated to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors to start a pilot program for daytime drop-in center services. In 2003, the daytime pilot program was a success and became a Drop-In Center serving residents experiencing homelessness. In 2010’s the Drop-In Center was named the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center after the late Bill Mehr who led the effort in the creation of the center and actively volunteered at the center.

What we do

CCoM is a growing 27-member church coalition that serves and advocates for residents experiencing homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, mental health, and substance abuse.

  • We support the Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center, The Bill Mehr Drop-In Center, and the Ferlazzo Emergency Shelter by providing 365 days a year meals, programs, and essential items for families and underserved individuals.

  • We offer an Emergency Accommodation Program for people experiencing homelessness when the shelter system is at maximum capacity.

  • We provide topical biblical application sessions for interested clients at the local shelters.

  • Advocate for policies addressing homelessness, poverty, substance abuse, food insecurity, healthcare, social and community services, education, and equal opportunity in Prince William County.

  • We provide financial support and operate the Bill Mehr Drop-In Center for the homeless through our independent 501c(3) affiliate, Servants at Work, Inc. (SAW).

  • We provide a monthly forum for sharing information among Prince William County and private and volunteer organizations to help people in need in our community.

  • Individually and collectively, member congregations reach out to those in need in Prince William County

What we believe

Our mission statement:

Empowered by the Grace of God, and acknowledging that we can accomplish more together, The Cooperative Council of Ministries is a coalition of Christian churches actively witnessing our common faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ through advocacy and service to those in Need