Together Toward Housing & Wholeness
Amy Robison
On Sunday, Feb. 26th, First Church staff and members tromped down still icy sidewalks to First Unitarian where we joined our voices with 400+ neighbors from faith communities throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. The Mass Assembly was our chance to say “Yes!” to humane and effective housing-first solutions to Portland’s housing crisis. We committed ourselves to the work of ensuring all people get to thrive in Oregon, not just those with money, power, and connections.
The kitchen table was the central image of our time together because everyone deserves a kitchen table – a safe, secure space of our own to gather, break bread, pay bills, do homework, love and strengthen each other for whatever the next day brings. During the program, speakers first came to the table to voice the pain, loss and need we’ve all felt as a community struggling with houselessness. Then, leaders currently working to build relationships and meet housing needs gathered around the table to share their stories of progress and creating power together.
Thus far, the Leaven Land & Housing Coalition has organized over 400 housing units for affordable and transitional housing on faith community land. There are now 16 faith communities in the tri-county area, including our own, at various stages of exploring or actively developing affordable housing on 1,800+ acres of faith land. To meet vast need and achieve systemic change, we must work to bolster the 3-legged stool of People, Land and Money. Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal was on hand to pledge her support for our grassroots campaign of housing and wholeness for all.
Everyone who attended was fed, physically and spiritually. We emerged from the gathering with renewed energy and hope, “Takin’ it to the streets!” If you want to know more about the event or our plans moving forward, First Church’s very own Land & Housing Circle is hosting hospitality hour after worship this Sunday, 3/19. Come by for coffee, cookies, and conversation. We’d love to have you join us! Where might God be leading you to serve?
More News & Updates
