With the help of churches, civic organizations, volunteers, and generous corporations and individuals, Convoy of Hope is intent on reducing poverty across America.
GROWING WITH PURPOSE
Two new regional distribution centers and a new food manufacturing facility will help Convoy of Hope serve more people.
Dr. Aaron Cole (Chair), Dr. Brad Trask (Vice Chair), Sherilynn Tounger (Secretary), Telvin Jeffries (Treasurer), Dominick Garcia (Executive Member), Greg Beggs, Dr. Mike Burnette, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Lindsay Jacobs, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Rich Nathan, Tom Rankin & Hal Donaldson (President)
Feedback | editor@convoyofhope.org
Website | convoyofhope.org
Instagram | @convoyofhope
Facebook | /convoyofhope
LinkedIn | /convoyofhope
Postmaster | Send address changes to: Hope Quarterly
1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802
On the Cover: A Convoy of Hope volunteer embraces a woman receiving help at a post-disaster point of distribution.
Photographer: Jason Ko
Some names and photos in this publication represent people who need to remain anonymous.
AMERICAN DREAMS
Weoften hear of the American dream — that anyone can enjoy a productive life if they just work hard and take advantage of the resources around them.
But there are some dreams many struggle to hold on to: paying bills, owning a car, eating three daily meals, sending their children to college. Meeting those basic needs can remain out of reach, even for those who are working hard.
Nearly 43 MILLION AMERICANS fall below the poverty line, and 97 MILLION are considered working poor.
Nearly 43 million Americans fall below the poverty line, and 97 million are considered working poor. (See the sidebar on page 17.)
At Convoy of Hope, we are on a mission to combat poverty and hunger wherever they arise. As we feed children, help marginalized women and struggling farmers, and respond to disasters across the globe, we never lose sight of our hopes that every American family is given the opportunity to live a better life and experience lasting hope.
Thank you for all you do to deliver help and hope to people who need it most.
God bless you.
Hal Donaldson President, Convoy of Hope
Bringing Hope to Texas Flood Survivors
Inthe early hours of Friday, July 4, central Texas was inundated with the worst floods the region has seen in decades. Torrential rain surged beyond forecasted warnings, and the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes. With massive search efforts continuing, 170 people were still missing on July 10 and 120 were confirmed dead.
Convoy of Hope responded quickly, distributing relief supplies like food, water, cleaning kits, hygiene kits, and more to the thousands of people affected by the floods.
The work moved forward as Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters flew overhead, continuing to search for survivors. The presence of Coast Guard aircraft and personnel so far inland was another reminder that this was a waterborne catastrophe.
“The resilience and impact of churches, businesses, and groups in these moments stood out to me,” said Ben Breit, a Convoy vice president onsite.
Convoy always connects with churches, nonprofits, and other local businesses
and organizations to more effectively serve. Pastor Oscar Dominguez and Gateway Fellowship Church out of Ingram, one of the flooded towns, were intent on connecting with survivors.
“In a previous disaster response,” Ben said, “Gateway set up a Convoy drivethru distribution. This time, so many vehicles were washed away, that wasn’t practical. Gateway volunteers went into the community to personally distribute resources. They hand-delivered more than products — they hand-delivered hope.”
Gateway’s sanctuary was transformed into a warehouse to hold the resources Convoy brought to the community.
The loss of life at nearby Camp Mystic weighed heavily on the Convoy team. Convoy Chief Network Officer Ed Ivie realized some of those victims were the same age as his two granddaughters. He learned of a young camp survivor who described in a news article seeing other cabins washing away in the flood.
“She said she put her name tag around her neck so people would be able to identify her if she had to be found,” Ed said. “It’s a reminder that in a tragedy like this, every victim has a name. And it’s a reminder to us that every single person Convoy of Hope helps has a name.”
For more information on this response, scan the QR code.
Remembering Katrina Convoy of Hope’s Response
By Annie Denney
When Hurricane Katrina began to form in the Atlantic on August 23, 2005, the National Hurricane Center predicted it could be a major storm. Katrina was a Category 1 hurricane when it reached Florida but weakened to a tropical storm as it moved over the state. On entering the Gulf,
however, Katrina rapidly intensified to a Category 5 hurricane, eventually slamming into Louisiana as a strong Category 3. Low-lying New Orleans was vulnerable. Katrina’s storm surge overwhelmed protective levees, causing catastrophic flooding in 80 percent of the city on August 29. More than 1,300 people lost
Convoy’s Hurricane Katrina response lasted for two years, with nearly 1,000 truckloads of relief supplies delivered and distributed to families in need.
their lives. Streets ran like rivers, carrying away people’s homes.
In 2005, Convoy had responded to disasters before, but none so devastating and close to home as Katrina. When team members arrived to work the morning after Katrina made landfall, they found every phone ringing.
With a disaster of this scale, Convoy set up multiple distribution sites across Mississippi and Louisiana.
Convoy’s Hurricane Katrina response lasted for two years, with nearly 1,000 truckloads of relief supplies delivered and distributed to families in need. For the next four years, Convoy held Community Events across the Gulf Coast, specifically helping areas affected by Katrina.
Twenty years later, Convoy is onsite at multiple disaster locations around the world and has now responded to over 850 disasters.
For more information on current responses, scan the QR code.
Serving Survivors in Asheville, N.C.
Nearly a year after Hurricane Helene swept through the southeast United States, challenges remain in Asheville, North Carolina. Convoy of Hope was on the ground in the immediate aftermath and is still working in the area today while serving all six states affected.
This spring, Convoy started sending Field Teams to help long-term recovery efforts. Recently, in partnership with the Asheville Dream Center, a team helped rebuild a home for a couple who lost theirs in the storm. While in Asheville, the team also helped pack over 4,000 bags of groceries for Convoy’s Children’s Summer Feeding program. These groceries will ensure kids are fed, even when they’re out of school. Fellowship Asheville, another Convoy partner, runs a food pantry where families can stock up on kid-friendly food for weekends.
This summer, Convoy will distribute more than 150,000 bags of groceries to families across the Southeast — as well as in Los Angeles in the wake of regional fires. In the absence of school lunches, these groceries and snacks will ensure there is food to eat at home.
INTERVIEW WITH
HAL DONALDSON
When he was 12, Convoy of Hope President Hal Donaldson lost his father to a drunk driver. The family was forced to rely on government assistance to get by, and Hal determined early on that he and those he loved would break free of poverty. But he found greater fulfillment when he expanded his vision and began serving the poor and suffering around the world — establishing Convoy of Hope in 1994.
continued on p. 10
Journalist Hal Donaldson on assignment in El Salvador.
THE POOR
ARE
OFTEN LABELED AND
EVEN TARGETED.
THAT ERODES YOUR SELF-WORTH AND YOUR SELF-ESTEEM.
MILLIONS OF CHILDREN FIND THEMSELVES IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT THAT SITUATION CAN CHANGE WITH
THE
RIGHT KIND OF INTERVENTION.
Q: The fight against poverty has been close to your heart. In part, because you were raised in poverty. Can you share about your experience?
Hal: When my dad was killed, my parents didn’t have insurance, and the man who hit them didn’t either. For a long season, our family survived on welfare and handouts as our single mother did her best to put food on the table. Living on food stamps meant the cupboards were sometimes bare.
The poor are often labeled and even targeted. That erodes your self-worth and your self-esteem. Millions of children find
themselves in similar circumstances, but that situation can change with the right kind of intervention. I believe Convoy of Hope can be part of the solution. Together, we can make sure fewer children go to bed hungry.
Q: Many people know Convoy of Hope for its efforts to break the cycle of extreme poverty around the world. Why is Convoy concerned about poverty in America?
Hal: Prior to COVID-19, great strides were made in the fight against poverty and hunger. The pandemic set everything back. More than 100 million people globally
continued on p. 13
serves a classroom of students.
Convoy of Hope currently feeds more than 639,000 children every school day around the world.
Hal Donaldson
THE PANDEMIC SET EVERYTHING BACK. MORE THAN 100 MILLION PEOPLE GLOBALLY PLUNGED BACK INTO EXTREME POVERTY.
AT CONVOY, WE SEE THE NEED. WE HEAR THE NEED. WE BELIEVE WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
continued from p. 10
plunged back into extreme poverty. Here in the United States, school feeding programs ceased while parents were losing their jobs. People had few places to turn for help. Convoy of Hope worked with churches, corporations, and civic organizations to provide hundreds of millions of meals during that time.
The pandemic also contributed to rising inflation, which taxes the poor and suffering. It erodes their limited buying power. At Convoy, we see the need. We hear the need. We believe we can make a difference.
Q: What does poverty look like in the United States?
Hal: More citizens than ever are relying on government assistance and social programs to live. Meanwhile, many organizations that exist to help them are struggling. At Convoy, we hear repeatedly that food banks have exhausted their resources, and church food pantries can’t find access to food.
Impoverished families often fracture. People lose hope when they see their condition worsen and may turn to crime, alcoholism, addiction, prostitution, and more. Some of the social problems government and communities are trying to combat have poverty at their root. In our prison system, for example, many of the incarcerated come from impoverished environments.
Many who live under the poverty line are single mothers. They may lack educational opportunities and find it near impossible to acquire high-paying jobs. Meanwhile, the children are forced to raise themselves without a parent present. On the other hand, some fathers work long hours to make ends meet. In the end, the victims of poverty are often the children.
Q: You saw a lot of poverty firsthand 30 years ago. How has the landscape changed?
Hal: Some years ago, I traveled to eight cities. I walked the streets, talking to
continued on p. 16
ONE ACT OF KINDNESS CAN CHANGE A LIFE FOREVER
At Convoy of Hope, accountability and transparency are an integral part of everything we do. From every purpose restricted donation, Convoy of Hope’s Independent Board of Directors may allocate up to 20% of that donation to cover its administrative and fundraising costs. If restricted donations exceed the need of the crisis, the capacity to respond to a crisis, and/or when local conditions prevent effective assistance, Convoy of Hope’s Independent Board of Directors may allocate these funds to other worthy projects that help Convoy of Hope fulfill its global mission of helping children and families in need. All contributions to Convoy of Hope are tax-deductible where allowed by law.
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ON FILE WITH YOUR STATE REGULATOR IS AVAILABLE BY CONTACTING THE STATE AS EXPLAINED AT THE LINK BELOW. THIS INFORMATION MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM CONVOY OF HOPE BY WRITTEN REQUEST TO 1 CONVOY DRIVE, SPRINGFIELD, MO 65802 OR BY CALLING (417) 823-8998. PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY ANY STATE. For state-specific contact information, please visit convoyofhope.org/disclosures.
The Crisis Relief Fund helps so many people … it provides hope when the worst has happened.
MAKE A DONATION
To donate by credit card or PayPal, visit convoy.org/hq39 or scan here with your smartphone.
like to include Convoy of Hope in my estate plan. I would like to receive mobile updates from Convoy of Hope.* I would like to learn more about planned giving and Hope Society.
online at convoy.org/hq39
Thank you for your generosity. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
drug addicts, gang members, prostitutes, runaways, and the unhoused. I rode with the police on the midnight shift. I watched officers encounter one domestic violence episode after another.
What’s happening today was happening then. But the scale has increased into larger segments of our communities. And much of this is tied to generational poverty.
When you are trapped in poverty, you may have fewer opportunities to escape. You may not have access to a shower, for example, so you can’t clean up for a job interview. It’s difficult to stay healthy because you don’t have access to nutritious food. You’re completely dependent on public transportation. All of this means it is extremely difficult to land and maintain a middle-income job.
Q: Poverty is complex. Why hasn’t America been able to break the cycle of poverty over the last 50 years?
Hal: There are many factors. Physical and mental health issues can cause or compound financial crises. Where people live and whether they have access to transportation are also major factors. And we can’t overlook the stigma of poverty — it isolates people and can make them feel powerless.
Because poverty is so complex and widespread, progress will be incremental. We can all do something — churches, charities, government agencies, and the individuals who are experiencing poverty. All of us have a role to play.
Across the country, many churches are creating opportunities for the poor. Corporate America is also working to make communities better places to live. These efforts to combat poverty and hunger make me optimistic.
Q: What is Convoy of Hope’s plan?
Hal: We believe churches, civic organizations, and corporations, together, can make
a real difference. Fortunately, we don’t have to convince the public about the importance of civic responsibility. Convoy is already activating these sectors of influence through training, resourcing, and volunteer mobilization. But we have a passion to do even more to maximize the potential of each sector.
Q: Can individuals really stem the tide of poverty in America? If so, what can they do?
Hal: Yes. They can use their voice to draw attention to the need. Two, they can roll up their sleeves and partner with their local church or civic organization to offer a helping hand. Three, we can give of our resources. And, for people of faith, there is a fourth element — prayer. Put those elements together, and you will see poverty in America dramatically recede.
THE WORKING POOR
The "working poor" is a phenomenon impacting all community sizes in the U.S. and includes people who spent at least 27 weeks in the labor force (working or looking for work) but whose incomes are still below the poverty level ($15,060 annually for individuals).
Working poor families with children under 18 years old are nearly four times as likely to live in poverty versus those without children. The working poverty rate was 16.9% for single parent households compared to 6.7% for couples with children.
TBy Scott Harrup
hroughout Convoy of Hope’s history, diversification and multiplication have gone hand in hand. As Convoy establishes teams and partners in program countries, more people in need are being served. A similar strategy is playing out in the United States.
continued on p. 20
Convoy’s 200,000-square-foot World Distribution Center was dedicated in Missouri in October 2022. In 2023, the adjoining Global Headquarters & Training Center was completed. That same year, Convoy’s first regional distribution center (RDC) opened in Sacramento, California. RDC West encompasses 70,000 square feet with a 7,000-pallet capacity. A national footprint began to emerge.
RDC West’s location quickly proved strategic as Convoy shipped locally donated resources directly from California’s ports to Hawaii. Communities devastated by Maui’s wildfires didn’t have to wait for those supplies to be transported from the World Distribution Center.
“Having a strategic hub to serve the West Coast and beyond has not only made us more efficient, it’s made us more effective in bringing help and hope to families in need,” says Kirk Noonan, senior vice president of Development. “Tens of thousands of families have already been served, and many more will be in the future.”
A second regional distribution center, RDC East, was dedicated August 28 in Atlanta, Georgia. Coastal regional distribution centers will lead to multiplied partnerships in those parts of the country, particularly when local disasters hit.
“RDC East gives us a head start to anything happening on the Gulf Coast
and along the Atlantic,” says Eric Gordon, senior director of Disaster Operations.
“Even before the grand opening, we were able to send relief supplies to communities devastated by spring tornadoes. When we say we want to be among the first to respond to critical needs, this helps make that possible.”
To build on the kindness of long-time partners and suppliers in children’s feeding, Convoy will soon begin large-scale food manufacturing at its global campus.
A new building will join the World Distribution Center and Global Headquarters. Currently under construction and set to open in 2026, the Food Manufacturing & Packaging Center will add millions of meals monthly to Convoy’s global feeding initiatives, including 639,000 children who are fed each school day around the world. Food manufacturing will allow Convoy to reach its goal of feeding 1 million children by 2030 and will also supply hundreds of millions of meals to food-insecure communities across the United States.
“Food insecurity is not just an overseas challenge. It happens all around us here in the United States,” says Mike Coble, senior director of Food Manufacturing. “I’m excited to see our state-of-the-art meal packaging facility take shape and begin to significantly address this need.”
RDC West Sacramento, CA
RDC East Atlanta, GA
Food Manufacturing & Packaging Center Springfield, MO
(Artist's impression)
On The Map
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA
After the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 21, 2023, this 70,000-square-foot facility was soon in full operation sending resources to Maui communities devastated by wildfires. Nearby ports such as Oakland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles (the largest U.S. port) mean more rapid shipping to the Pacific region. When California’s 2025 wildfires hit, RDC West was a key response hub.
Convoy of Hope’s regional distribution centers, together with expanding operations at its Global Headquarters, multiply and accelerate help and hope. When disaster strikes, the nearest regional distribution center (RDC) will ensure an even more rapid Convoy of Hope response. RDC West in Sacramento is in full operation, the Atlanta location was dedicated in August, and the Food Manufacturing & Packaging Center under construction will become the annual source of many millions of meals.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
With Convoy of Hope’s numerous hurricane responses in Florida and along the East Coast, an RDC just a few hours away in Atlanta means a streamlined resourcing and transportation process for that region. Even before this August’s dedication, RDC East was a hub for Convoy’s response to spring tornadoes.
SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI
Since 2022, Convoy of Hope’s World Distribution Center has been sending millions of pounds of resources around the world to regions in critical need — war-ravaged communities across Ukraine, earthquake zones in Turkey and Syria, hurricane sites along the Gulf Coast, and drought-stricken areas in Africa.
The Global Headquarters & Training Center not only brings together Convoy’s team members into one hub, it hosts events that catalyze compassion. This fall, Hope Summit will bring strategic leaders together in a conference aimed at multiplying effective compassion.
The Food Manufacturing & Packaging Center, when completed, will run production lines capable of crafting meal packages tailor-made for specific regional dietary needs. Globally, children in Convoy’s Children’s Feeding initiative will benefit from this consistent source of nutrition. Nationally, U.S. communities struggling with food insecurity will receive critically needed meals.
DISASTER SERVICES
Ukrainian war refugees, East African communities on the edge of famine, and U.S. hurricane survivors all have received critical help through Convoy of Hope’s Disaster Services team. Consistently among the first to respond to crises, Convoy’s highly trained team members and volunteers help hurting people get back on their feet. Convoy is committed to helping as much as possible for as long as possible in the most challenging environments.
WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
When a woman generates an income, it not only benefits her — the entire community profits. Through training and loving support, Convoy equips women to start and successfully operate their own businesses. Convoy encourages women and girls around the world to realize their value and reach their potential. This gives them the opportunity to positively impact the lives of their families and their communities.
AGRICULTURE
Convoy of Hope’s Agriculture program is equipping vulnerable farmers and families with skills, tools, and seeds to increase life-sustaining crops. Of the meals harvested each year, a portion is used to support Convoy’s Children’s Feeding program. Convoy’s agriculture specialists teach long-term sustainable practices that help break the cycle of poverty and promote communitywide food security.
CHILDREN’S FEEDING
Approximately half of all deaths of children under age 5 can be linked to undernutrition. A nutritious meal coupled with clean drinking water opens doors to better health and consistent physical and mental development. Convoy of Hope provides regular, nutritious meals in schools around the world. Now, more than 639,000 children are discovering renewed hope.
U.S. PROGRAM
Poverty and hunger have gained a devastating edge in urban neighborhoods and rural communities alike. Through U.S. Program, Convoy resources, empowers, and partners with local leaders and churches through training, mentoring, and coaching. Convoy believes that increased presence and partnership will help strengthen and enrich entire cities, towns, and neighborhoods.
Today’s generation wants to change our world. Convoy of Hope invests in students through partnerships with colleges and universities, internships, and compassion experiences.
Every Student Engaged in Compassion
Coast-toCoast Kindness
While launching compassion projects around the world, Convoy of Hope always keeps in focus the needs of communities across the United States. Hope Quarterly has connected readers with U.S. initiatives from coast to coast.
Scan the QR codes to check out these stories from our archives.
As Convoy of Hope served millions globally during COVID-19’s devastation, it also determined to make a difference across America. Ten million meals would eventually grow to 200 million.
What happens when 1,900-plus volunteers joyfully serve more than 10,000 people from across the Windy City? Find out here.
Massive tornadoes in Oklahoma and Missouri, the Gulf Coast’s Hurricane Katrina — Convoy of Hope was there even while responding to disasters in Haiti, Nepal, and the Philippines.
Offering help and hope after wildfires in Hawaii. Partnering with the Pittsburgh Steelers in community service. Convoy of Hope connected with U.S. needs throughout 2023.
Sometimes the simplest gestures can bring a smile in the middle of life’s challenges. It’s all about community engagement.
Convoy of Hope serves thousands of disaster survivors every year.
A Broom & a Blessing
By Mary Vogen
Alice will never forget the woman’s quiet desperation and deep fatigue. A tree had fallen in her yard. Her home was standing but damaged in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
“I found her trying to sweep up debris with a little house broom,” Alice remembers. “I gave her one of our big commercial-grade brooms. Her face lit up and she asked, ‘Where can I find you to return this?’”
Of course, the broom was a gift — along with cleaning supplies, food, and water — from Convoy of Hope. Alice and Convoy team members were serving multiple communities across Florida’s midsection from St. Petersburg to Vero Beach.
“Is there anything we can pray with you about?” Alice asked the woman, before offering a prayer of encouragement.
For Alice, hurricane response is one more way she can make a difference for people in need. Her family lives in Missouri near Convoy’s Global Headquarters & Training Center, where she and her children have often helped pack resources. Her scheduled trip to help the Convoy team in Tanzania was canceled by COVID travel restrictions, but other trips to disaster sites have been life-changing.
“The beautiful thing to me,” Alice says, “is the way Convoy always responds with a church partner. We can tell a neighborhood, or that woman, that there will still be help available after our team is gone.”
For Alice, strategically supporting Convoy of Hope financially is only the first step. Volunteering, and being ready to hand out the next broom, is the bigger blessing.
