SErvices & PROGRAMS
Serving Pontiac Residents
Serving Pontiac Residents in Need
In Pontiac, approximately 30% of residents and 50% of children live below the poverty line. For families with limited resources, even a small unexpected expense can trigger a financial crisis, putting them at risk of hunger, homelessness, and other life-threatening challenges.
Christian Community Response Team (CCRT) is dedicated to supporting Pontiac’s low-income residents. Our mission is straightforward: to provide direct support and referral services for emergency basic living needs, guided by the compassion and teachings of Jesus Christ. We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Founded twenty one years ago by the ten parishes of the Pontiac Area Vicariate of the Detroit Archdiocese, CCRT continues to receive support from local parishes, churches across Oakland County, private donors, and partnerships with organizations such as Lakeshore Legal Aid, Kirk in the Hills, Ladies of Charity, and St. Vincent de Paul. Your support allows us to respond to the urgent needs of our community.
As Pope Leo XIII reminds us in his message for the 9th 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.
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.
"CCRT's most pressing concern is keeping people in their homes so they don't end up on the street," said Williams, who has been the CCRT director for twenty-one years. "Once that happens, every problem gets magnified. We are providing assistance for low-income and homeless people who are trying to break a vicious cycle of poverty. We are working to stabilize their living situation". Barbara Williams, Director.
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.
Emergency Help Contact Form- MUST LIVE IN PONTIAC.
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Contact Us
Getting Ahead program
Getting
AHEAD
in a Just-Gettin'-By World
Are you Interested in the next Getting Ahead Class - FEBRUARY 2026?
Please fill-out form below to register for the FEBRUARY Class 2026.
More details to follow.
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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.
