The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Faith, Hope, and Karidat are continuing their efforts to serve individuals and families in need on Saipan. In 2025, the Church helped the renovation of a kitchen at Karidat's Guma' Esperansa facility, improving a space used to prepare meals and support humanitarian and shelter services. The project included new cabinets, countertops, sinks, faucets, backsplash work, a microwave, and a range hood, helping strengthen Karidat's capacity to serve vulnerable individuals and families.
That partnership continued in 2026 following damage caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku and Typhoon Bavi. The Church helped repair the roof of Karidat's transitional housing shelter, remediate mold damage, repaint portions of the facility, repair fencing, and complete other restoration work. These improvements helped restore and preserve a safe refuge for women and children seeking safety and support as they work toward long-term stability and independence.
- Before renovation, the kitchen at Karidat's Guma' Esperansa facility showed significant wear after nearly 30 years of use. Such condition highlighted the need for upgrades to better support Karidat's humanitarian, food assistance, and shelter services for individuals and families in need.
- Before renovation, the kitchen at Karidat's Guma' Esperansa facility showed significant wear after nearly 30 years of use. Such condition highlighted the need for upgrades to better support Karidat's humanitarian, food assistance, and shelter services for individuals and families in need.
- The renovated kitchen at Karidat’s Guma' Esperansa facility features new cabinetry, countertops, sinks, and other upgrades funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The improvements enhance Karidat’s ability to prepare meals and support humanitarian, shelter, and food assistance services for individuals and families in need on Saipan.
- The renovated kitchen at Karidat’s Guma' Esperansa facility features new cabinetry, countertops, sinks, and other upgrades funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The improvements enhance Karidat’s ability to prepare meals and support humanitarian, shelter, and food assistance services for individuals and families in need on Saipan.
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Brett Child, Guam and Micronesia Welfare and Self-Reliance Manager for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, "Karidat has been a trusted source of hope and support for vulnerable individuals and families across Saipan for many years. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner together in strengthening a facility that provides food, shelter, safety, and compassion to those facing some of life's most difficult circumstances."
Karidat, a Catholic Charities organization serving the Northern Mariana Islands, provides food, housing and other assistance to people facing difficult circumstances. Through their continued partnership, the Church and Karidat are helping strengthen the organization's ability to serve individuals and families experiencing economic hardship or crisis, including those who rely on Karidat for food assistance, transitional housing and a safe place during times of need.
The organization also provides shelter and care for individuals escaping violence, neglect, and assault. In 2023 alone, Karidat fed more than 1,200 people and provided more than 3,000 nights of safety to individuals in Saipan. Its services also extend to survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. In 2024, The Church further supported Karidat's efforts through a food donation for the organization's food pantry.
The name "Karidat" comes from the Chamorro word for "charity" or "love." Through the continued cooperation of Karidat, the Church and others in the community, that meaning is reflected in practical ways, providing food, shelter and a place of safety for neighbors when they need it most.