What if churches didn’t just respond to need, but helped unlock potential?

That’s the heart behind Charity to Change, a church-led initiative rooted in faith, relationships and action. For families just one step away from owning a home, it’s the boost that helps them get there.

Currently led by Pastor Artie Lindsay and soon to be transitioned under the leadership of Jake Lang, Executive Pastor at Tabernacle Church, Charity to Change, a featured initiative of Thrive + Prosper, equips local churches to partner with families in practical, meaningful ways — removing last-mile financial hurdles and helping homeownership dreams become reality.

“We’re not trying to take over what anyone else is doing,” Pastor Jake explains. “We’re asking how we can come alongside them and help people cross the finish line.”

For many families, that final stretch is the hardest part. Pastor Artie has seen it firsthand: “They’ve been in housing programs for 12, 16, even 24 months. Then something happens — a credit issue, a medical bill, something outside their control — and they get discouraged. They want to give up.”

That final gap, often small but insurmountable, is where Charity to Change shows up.

A Response That’s Personal and Practical

The seed for Charity to Change was planted in 2021 when Pastor Artie joined a national cohort focused on helping churches grow from short-term giving to long-term impact. He brought together 10 Grand Rapids churches to explore how they could make a deeper difference — and they saw an opportunity to help more local families become homeowners. Among those original churches were Tabernacle Community Church, Berean Baptist Church, Madison Square Church, New Hope Baptist Church and Renaissance Church.

In 2023, Charity to Change helped one family. In 2024, it was seven. So far in 2025, they’ve already matched that — and the work is just getting started.

A Collaborative Model Built on Trust

The model is simple: churches identify needs through trusted partners, then step in to help with the final (and often overlooked) pieces that make homeownership possible.

Rather than replicate existing services, the team is focused on filling the gaps others can’t. Pastor Jake clarifies, “We’re not duplicating what nonprofits are doing — we’re supporting them. That meant figuring out our lane. We’re not the mortgage broker or the credit counselor, but we are the people who show up when that last unexpected expense threatens to derail everything.”

Support might come in many forms, like helping with closing costs, navigating loan delays or pitching in on home repairs like window replacements or cabinet retrofits that make a home safe and livable.

Real People, Real Skills, Real Impact

At its heart, Charity to Change is fueled by relationships. Rather than relying solely on outside resources, the initiative taps into the talents already present in its church communities, from real estate agents to contractors and generous donors.

One church member donated new windows at cost. Another covered the labor. Others hauled away debris and cleaned gutters to help prepare a home. It’s this deeply human, collaborative model that keeps the effort sustainable.

And now, a new effort is underway to build a network of realtors from participating congregations, each pledging to donate the commission from one home per year to support a family in need.

Pastor Artie emphasizes how this work is deeply relational. “We’ve built trust with churches, with nonprofits and with families. That trust is what makes it possible.”

Looking Ahead: 50 Families, $500,000

The next step is big: raise $500,000 and help 50 families in 2026.

To get there, the Charity to Change team is expanding their church network, deepening nonprofit relationships and refining their systems so they can help more people without losing the personal touch.

For other faith leaders interested in doing the same, Pastor Artie has a clear invitation: “I’m always looking for leaders who want to move beyond charity to real systems change. If you’ve got the will, there’s a place at the table.”

Because that’s what it takes. Real change doesn’t come from one church, one leader or one program. It comes from many like-minded people coming together in faith to make a difference.

If you would like more information reach out to Jake Lang at jake@tabernaclecommunity.org