serving real hope to industry workers in crisis
a mission grounded in faith.
Big Table’s mission is rooted in our Christian faith. We believe every person is created in the image of God and is worthy of dignity, care, and life-changing community. And for that very reason, we are called to care for everyone.
Inspired by Acts 2, Big Table began around a table where all are welcome. We share our resources with those most in need and break bread together to form a community of unconditional care. Today, we continue that spirit by caring for hospitality workers in crisis, transition, or hardship.
We do so joyfully with no strings attached, serving anyone regardless of beliefs or background – because love like Jesus looks like loving first and unconditionally.
Because many industry workers have experienced hurt, judgment, or disappointment connected to religion, we seek to lead first with humility, consistency, and genuine care. We believe trust is built through relationship — and that people are most impacted when they experience the love of Jesus before anything else.
If you would like more information on how we specifically engage around faith, email kevin@bigtable.org. We’d love to share more with you.
"We are known by our love. We are often asked, 'Why do you care about me like this?' And we say, 'Because you are of infinite value and God loves you.'"
Jill Lemon | Executive Director, Chief Operation Officer
working hard yet falling behind.
The highest concentration of need is hidden behind the smiles of those working in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
1 in 10 people in the country are employed in this industry. This largest working sector also employs many of our most vulnerable neighbors — single parents, immigrants, refugees, at-risk teens, seniors, and those rebuilding after incarceration — who often face housing instability, medical crises, emotional struggles, addiction battles, and financial emergencies that quickly become devastating without a safety net.
The good news? We have opportunities to see and care for these hardworking people every single day.
caring for workers in crisis.
It begins with a simple referral from a coworker, manager, or friend. From there, our care teams build trust through immediate support and ongoing relational care. Care can look like:
- Rent or deposit for housing assistance
- Car repairs or bus pass
- Utility bill help
- Mental health counseling connections
- Diapers or groceries for single parent
- Medical or dental care
Beyond practical help, something even more powerful happens. People are reminded they are seen, valued and not alone. Through ongoing relationship and mentoring, people begin to experience life-giving community — and the real hope found in the love of Christ.
compassion with strategy
When we intervene early and prayerfully, the results are truly transformational.
Early care can prevent homelessness, stabilize families, and reduce costly long-term services — saving communities up to 97% in long-term social service costs.
This is compassion with strategy. And we seek to be just as faithful in stewardship.
Big Table is honored to be among the top 0.1% of over 1.7 million nonprofits to receive a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly Guide Star) and is certified by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.
This reflects over 17 years of faithful leadership and stewardship of every resource God has entrusted to us. But the true return goes beyond metrics.
It’s found in lives restored, dignity rebuilt, and people experiencing the love of Jesus in tangible ways.
join us. because you care.
Churches and faith communities have always been central to caring for those most in need. We have a unique opportunity to be a much-needed safety net for so many people right in our backyard.
ways faith partners help:
- Extend care to more workers
- Pray
- Share the mission with others
- Provide resource support
- Connect people to life-giving community
We’ve seen God restore dignity, strengthen families, and build healthier communities – and we can’t do it alone.
There are so many ways to get involved. We've pulled some ideas together HERE. Or reach out to discuss other ways you can help.
Let's serve hope together.
"It's been a Godsend to be going through hell
and feel blessed just based off the support you have."
Tony | Care Recipient
"Big Table helped me realize what hope feels like
and what actual love feels like."
Nazzy | Care Recipient
ways to care together
Together, we can reach those who feel unseen, care for people in crisis, connect them to supportive community, and walk alongside them toward hope and transformation.
Explore a few simple and meaningful ways your church, small group, or faith community can step into this mission with Big Table. Reach out if you have other ideas!
pray with us
Would you like to join our prayer team and help cover Big Table in prayer?
Pray for our care teams, care recipients, events, and the ongoing work God is doing through this ministry.
Join our prayer team and get the latest prayer needs.