Church tones down homeless aid

Chapel Hill Bible Church has helped the homeless for years but has recently toned down its aid because of difficulties determining if people really need the help.

The church has given help in the form of food vouchers and bill payments to those who needed it in the last two years, Pastor Randy Russell said.

But some people began coming to the church and asking for help, and members of the church had no way to ensure whether they were homeless or whether they were staying in the shelter, where residents receive three meals per day, Russell said.

The church now works with the InterFaith Council to help the homeless of Chapel Hill with basic necessities.

“We all give money to (InterFaith Council), and they’re the agency that deals with that,” Russell said.

He said Chapel Hill Bible Church has been actively involved in helping the homeless and will continue to do so through the council.