Love Columbia has offered the Extra Mile program for many years as a financial reset for families who find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
Through this program, families with children are able to live rent-free in homes around town for six to nine months. During that time, they receive financial coaching and additional support designed to help them pay down debt and build savings. The goal is to prepare families to transition well when the program ends—ideally with enough saved for a security deposit and first month’s rent, which many of us know can be a significant hurdle today.
Our church has been part of the Extra Mile program for some time, and this year the program is entering an exciting new season. Instead of operating three or four individual houses across town, Love Columbia has had the opportunity to build a 10-plex downtown, right next to their campus. This new space will be called the Love Forward Homes.
The Love Forward Homes will significantly increase capacity, allowing more families to be served with greater accessibility beginning in 2026. With housing and support services located side by side, families will have easier access to the resources they need to move forward.
As a church, we are sponsoring one of these units. And when we sponsor a unit, we are really sponsoring a family—committing to come alongside them with care, presence, and support.
A couple of months ago, we shared about our Love Forward Home in one of our Practical Needs Newsletters. In response, Megan, who is part of our church, reached out. From there, Megan and I began talking through what it might look like to lead a team together.
After meeting with the program leaders, Megan shared the following reflection:
“Love Forward means getting the chance to truly serve our community, not just with resources, but with relationships. When I first heard about this program, one phrase stood out.
Family friend. We’ve all had one. They’re the people who show up when we need help moving, who drop off frozen meals in tough times, who cheer with us during good times. They’re the ones we invite over to watch the game or come to church with us. They’re part of our lives and we grow together through Love Forward.
Our church has the opportunity to be that kind of family friend to someone else. We get to walk alongside individuals and families in this short term housing program and not just to provide a place to live, but to offer connection, encouragement and guidance. We get to help them build the skills to be great renters, make smart financial decisions and feel supported every step of the way.”
And then here’s how Megan summed it up at the end, which I think is amazing. “It’s not just about housing. It’s about hope, growth and community. And I’m so grateful we get to be a part of it.”
If you would like to be part of the volunteer team coming alongside the families who will stay in our Love Forward Home, you can message me in the church office.
