HNW Cancels $3 Million in Medical Debt

Houston Northwest Church’s funding of $30,000 eliminated $3M of medical debt in Texas. More than 1,360 individuals in northwest Houston recently received a letter from RIP Medical Debt letting them know their outstanding medical debt had been paid in full. The letter explained that they no longer owed the debt and the forgiveness of the debt was a no-strings-attached gift. The letter also shared that the funds provided for the debt abolishment were provided by Houston Northwest Church.

The funds were collected during The Big Give Christmas Eve offering in December 2019. Houston Northwest Church selects one or more organizations each year to present with the gift. One hundred percent of the offering each Christmas Eve is given to the selected organization(s). A goal was set for RIP Medical Debt with any overage earmarked for the International Mission Board’s Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. More than $66,300 was generously given for The Big Give, exceeding the goal and providing $30,000 toward medical debt. Each dollar given canceled $100 worth of medical debt in the northwest community.

Nearly 40% of American households have outstanding medical debt or problems paying medical bills. People often must choose between paying medical bills and basics like food, utilities or housing. With many out of work due to COVID-19, the stress of debt can be overwhelming. Thanks to the generosity of those attending HNW’s Christmas Eve services, many families have had their medical debt burden lifted.