Project HELP is an initiative of WMU that identifies a critical issue and seeks to raise the level of awareness of that issue and provide practical approaches anyone can implement to open the door for meeting needs and sharing the gospel.

Since the launch of Project HELP in 1994, WMU has focused on a variety of critical issues affecting the lives of millions including hunger, poverty, human exploitation, PTSD, and refugees.

Each Project HELP focus usually lasts 2–4 years. This timeframe gives churches time to raise awareness of the critical issue in their congregations, study the prevalence and impact of the issue in their communities and region, and determine how best to go about meeting the needs of those impacted by the issue while opening doors to share the gospel with other community workers as well as those in need.

What Is Loneliness?

According to the WHO Commission on Social Connection, “Loneliness is a subjective, distressing feeling that arises when there is a gap between the social connections one has and those one wants or needs” (https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/social-connection, accessed 08/12/2026).

Why Focus on Loneliness?

God created us for connection with Himself and with others. And God calls us to take care of one another.

Given we are called to take care of one another, the following statistics tell us we have much work to do:

• Approximately 1 in 6 people worldwide report feeling lonely (https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/social-connection, accessed 08/12/2026).
• Approximately 1 in 3 adults in the US report feeling lonely (https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/risk-factors/index.html, accessed 08/12/2026).

What Can We Do?

Loneliness affects every nation, age, and culture.

As Christians, we can uniquely respond to and support people experiencing loneliness. We can compassionately respond to their relational needs and share with them how to satisfy their spiritual relational needs through the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

But how? Where do we start?

That’s where Project HELP: Loneliness comes in.

Project HELP: Loneliness will be included in our curriculum and other resources for all age levels in age-appropriate ways throughout the 2026–28 years.

As you journey alongside us, WMU will charge you to combat loneliness in your groups, in your church, and in your community. Who needs the community of the church body right now? Who needs the ultimate relationship found in Jesus?

Check back here for more resources as they are developed over time.