An Atlanta church has erased $1.5 million in medical debt for more than 1,100 people across metro Atlanta, offering major relief to families just days before Christmas.
What the Church Did
Spirit and Truth Church in Atlanta announced this week that it partnered with a medical debt relief effort to pay off overdue bills for residents in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Henry counties. The church said the move was meant to give struggling families a fresh start during the holidays by clearing balances they could not afford to pay.
The relief covers people facing debts from unexpected illnesses and injuries that have gone to collections. Leaders explained that medical accounts are often bought for pennies on the dollar, allowing donations to stretch much further than direct bill payments. Those whose debts were purchased and forgiven will receive notices in the mail confirming that their medical balances are now zero, according to CBS News.
Who is Affected
More than 1,100 individuals and families in the metro area are expected to benefit from the church's initiative. Church leaders said many of the recipients are working families, seniors, and people in communities already dealing with economic inequality.
Medical debt has been a leading cause of financial strain nationwide, often hurting credit scores and limiting access to housing and other basic needs. Advocates say even a few thousand dollars in unpaid medical bills can follow families for years, making it difficult to recover from a job loss or health crisis. By clearing these balances, the church hopes families can now focus on daily expenses instead of collection calls and overdue notices.
Why the Church Acted
Senior Pastor Mark Moore Jr. said the effort is part of the church's mission to turn faith into action for its neighbors. He stressed that medical bills should not determine a family's future or take away their dignity and peace.
Church leaders framed the debt relief as an expression of compassion and justice during a season centered on hope. They also pointed to rising health care costs and stagnant wages as reasons many local households are being asked to "do more with less." The church described the project as one step in a broader push to address barriers that keep people stuck in cycles of poverty, as per WSBTV.
What Comes Next
Spirit and Truth Church said it plans to continue community-focused projects that support long-term stability for local families. Future efforts are expected to focus on restoring hope, advancing justice, and creating lasting impact beyond the holidays.
In addition to financial relief, the church is exploring programs that offer financial literacy training, mental health support, and job connections to help families stay on stable footing. Pastor Moore called on other faith communities and institutions to consider similar steps to help ease the burden of medical debt and strengthen their neighborhoods.
