In Robeson County during the 1960s, the needs of the less fortunate were growing. The lines at the Department of Social Services were long, the resources available in Robeson County were relatively unknown, and the needs of the economically challenged often went unnoticed. These conditions led to the idea of a center where those living in poverty and insecurity could be helped. The idea was condensed into the prayer, “Oh Lord, if there were means.” 

The National Council of Churches convened in 1967 to conduct research into the needs presented in Robeson County, leading to the formation of the Robeson County Church and Community Center in 1969. Initially funded by the United Methodist Church through the Bishop’s Fund for Reconciliation, the center was born was founded as a response to provide advocacy to those in need, to help with emergency aid, to promote the resources available to the economically challenged, and to work toward racial unity in Robeson County. Initially, the center offered a clothing closet, transportation services, a community garden, and assistance with housing repair. Other early initiatives of the center included summer education programs in low income neighborhoods, formation of intentional groups to attend and worship with churches not of their own race, and voter registration drives seeking to increase the political voice of underrepresented minority groups.