As individuals and as a community of faith get involved – be part of the solution in creating a more equitable and safer environment for all
In the book of Acts it is recorded
“Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds[j] to all, as any had need.”
Shelter - NOT a luxury.
Shelter - a Basic Human Right
These words came to mind for me last evening as I attended a Zoom gathering on affordable housing. We were privileged to hear from 4 presenters covering issues of affordable housing and Basic Income Assistance. We are in a place of crisis, and in fact, have been there for a while. This crisis has been exacerbated by the pandemic and the rising cost of housing. It had become particularly unbearable for people in mid to low income who are unable to find places to rent because rental properties are being sold or the rent rates are very high.
People – individuals, couples, families – are finding themselves homeless. Some living in cars or RV’s or in places that are unsafe just so that they are not out in the open and exposed to the elements.
Shelter is not a luxury it is a basic human right but it is one that more and more cannot afford.
We Must become Involved
After the meeting I began to think about this passage from Acts and could not help but imagine what our community would be like if we distributed things to all as any had need.
If people’s basic needs were met I imagine that the community we call home would be safer, friendlier and a place where we all would like to be. As people of faith, if we live out the ministry and mission of Jesus we are compelled to be part of the solution to this crisis. Jesus empowers community and care, lives with compassion, and opens doors of possibility. The first community of believers knew this and incorporated that into the way they lived.
We too must become involved. We must enter into these conversations and contribute to the solutions. We must call upon our governments to become actively engaged and make basic human rights a priority for our people.
get involved and be part of the solution
As we move into the weeks and months ahead I ask the question
“How can we as individuals and as a community of faith become involved in creating a more equitable and safer environment for all?”
I leave that with you to pray about and ponder. I encourage you to have conversations with one another, with your local politicians, and with people who are walking through this crisis in a real way. Brainstorm together and then perhaps we will be able to forge a way forward that creates community for all. Take one step at a time, but get involved and be part of the solution.
Blessings
Valerie