Chesapeake City Ecumenical Association (CCEA)

This story makes it all worthwhile!

His name is Andrew and his best friend is Max. They travel together every day and return to a comfy little home every evening and this is the happy ending to a difficult journey that they have shared.

They started out in a cozy home in Cecilton. Life was good. Andrew worked and Max held down the fort each day. Then the ruptures started in their life path. First the home started failing and while it was the landlord’s responsibility to fix, there was still stress with each breakdown. Andrew found relief in a bottle and Max found relief in his friend’s touch. Then Andrew was home with Max more, missing time on his job. Then the job was gone, the money was gone and Andrew drew deeper into the bottle and Max remained at Andrew’s feet-loving him.

 Andrew missed IMPORTANT appointments like appeals for reinstatement on his job; like appeals for unemployment; like going to court to keep their home. And the world came crashing in-as did the cold, the hunger, the embarrassment and the only possession left—a car became their new world. It was cramped and it was cold and food was far less-but Andrew and Max remained together. Andrew’s appearance and attitude changed, except towards Max. As for Max, he remained Andrew’s anchor, a reason to keep going because Max needed Andrew’s care.

 Max noticed that there were less bottles and cans crowing the car. Andrew needed help getting back on the life road he was intended to travel, but on these matters Max could not help. He could only be the loving anchor and true friend that motivated Andrew to seek help. Andrew was considering placing Max in a place that would find him a new home, but to lose Max would mean losing the motivation that had at least opened Andrew’s eyes to needing something better for both of them.  It grieved Andrew to think he might have to say goodbye to his dear friend Max.

Someone in the “church” recognized Andrew and invited him to get a shower and some warmth. That someone led Andrew to The CCEA. Andrew and Max came thru the doors and met Bill. Bill welcomed Andrew and Max, not with judgment-but with an extended hand, a concerned ear and a welcoming heart. Over the weeks that passed Andrew and Max became a fixture at the building known as “The Complex”. Andrew’s spirits were lifted, Max made lots of new and loving friends and the world started to move beyond the cramped quarters of the cold car sitting on the canal levee.

 Soon Bill was talking about the ruptures that lead them to The CCEA. And soon “the church” was in motion and changes were coming! Bill continued to provide encouragement and guidance and slowly the ruptures were being plugged.  Job leads came in and Bill helped Andrew select a good interview outfit from the CCEA Heavens Helpers clothing closet. A spruced up resume, CDL renewed, a renewed faith in himself and Andrew secured a job. Working for a large, local farm-this job allows Max and Andrew to travel together by day and return to a cozy home each evening. With the help of The CCEA and “the church” the home has been furnished. And Andrew checks in on his “angel” regularly. He worries when storms come thru that Bill is home safely.  GOD gave more than one gift thru this journey.

 For twenty-five years The CCEA has been a resource for those in need. For twenty-five years, stories like this have become a part of the fabric of this organization. “The church” is not the building or the denominations represented within this organization. “The church” is each and every volunteer, supporter, donor and partner who cares enough to keep on giving of their time, money, resources and genuine love for their neighbor.  We are here to serve as the hands and feet of the awesome GOD who has directed our steps. The faces of “the church” change, but the heart remains strong and every now and then we are blessed with a story like Andrew and Max’s—where a hand-up was all that was needed.

The CCEA provides food, clothing and household item free of charge.  We also provide financial assistance but there is no cash on site.  The CCEA provides special funding for needs such as rent and utility payments.  Financial assistance is provided via electronic check to the company providing the service, never directly to our clients.  If we can help you please come in and talk to us.