Serving Pontiac Residents

Serving Pontiac Residents in Need

In Pontiac, many families face significant financial challenges, with nearly one-third of residents and half of all children living below the poverty line. For households already struggling to make ends meet, an unexpected expense such as a medical bill, car repair, or utility shutoff notice can quickly become a crisis, placing them at risk of hunger, homelessness, and other serious hardships.

The Christian Community Response Team (CCRT) is committed to helping our neighbors navigate these challenges and move toward greater stability. Our mission is to provide direct support and referral services for emergency basic living needs, guided by the compassion, love, and teachings of Jesus Christ. CCRT is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving individuals and families throughout the Pontiac community.

Founded more than twenty-two years ago by ten parishes of the Pontiac Area Vicariate of the Archdiocese of Detroit, CCRT continues to be supported by local parishes, churches throughout Oakland County, private donors, businesses, foundations, and community partners. Through collaborations with organizations such as Lakeshore Legal Aid, Kirk in the Hills, Ladies of Charity, St. Vincent de Paul, and many others, we are able to respond to the urgent and evolving needs of our community.

Together, we provide hope, resources, and pathways to self-sufficiency for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Every act of generosity helps ensure that our neighbors have access to food, housing assistance, clothing, personal care items, furniture, financial education, and other essential services.

As Pope Leo XIV reminds us in his Message for the World Day of the Poor:

"You, O Lord, are my hope" (Psalm 71:5). The poor bear witness to a steadfast hope, living it out amid uncertainty, poverty, and marginalization. They are not a distraction for the Church they are our beloved brothers and sisters, guiding us to the truth of the Gospel."

At CCRT, we are inspired by this message of hope and solidarity as we work each day to serve those most in need and strengthen our community for generations to come.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Statement

CCRT is committed to promoting and upholding the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe by embracing diversity we can better serve our community, reduce disparities and create a more just and equitable society.

Non-Discrimination Policy for Services Delivered

CCRT does not discriminate the delivery of services to any client based on race, creed, color, gender, age or sexual orientation.

Woman smiles, holds baby drinking from bottle. Both indoors, against light-colored wall. Baby wears camo jacket.

Father and child reading a book. The child smiles, wearing a hat and jacket. A snowman toy sits nearby.

Woman in black headwrap holds baby in patterned blue hoodie, both looking at camera.

“CCRT’s highest priority is helping individuals and families remain safely housed and preventing homelessness,” said Barbara Williams. “When someone loses their housing, the challenges they face often become much more difficult to overcome. Through our programs and support services, we assist low-income and unhoused individuals who are working to break the cycle of poverty and build a more stable future. Our goal is to help people achieve and maintain housing stability.”

Emergency Help Form

DO YOU HAVE PAST DUE ENERGY BILLS OR AN EVICTION NOTICE?

We are ready to ASSIST & HELP you with your energy bills or prevent your eviction.

Note: Applicants must live in Pontiac and meet eligibility requirements. Icon of a house.

Emergency Help Contact Form- MUST LIVE IN PONTIAC.

* Indicates required field

Contact Us

Getting Ahead program

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Are you Interested in the next Getting Ahead Class?
Please fill-out form below to register and more details will be sent to you.

* Indicates required field

Contact Us- Getting Ahead

Getting Ahead Programs

Are you just "Getting By" and would like to "Get Ahead"?

“Getting Ahead" mission is to shrink the barriers to success posed by economic class differences among people and groups. The program assists those in poverty begin their journey to self-sufficiency. The program is intended to enhance the quality of life for everyone. The program is also built on an evidence-based model and is designed to be sustainable year after year while adapting to the needs of the community. Helping individuals or "investigators" create their own path to a more secure and successful future is our objective.

Our Classes run 8 weeks (16 sessions) meeting 2 half-days a week. Upon completing all sessions, individuals receive a monetary gift and a certificate of completing the program. If you are interested and want to learn more, please contact us by submitting form below.