Holy One, Giver of blessings that nurture the earth and feed our bodies and souls,
we offer now our thanks for the abundance that surrounds us:
For the harvest of which we partake,
For the many hands that make light the work of helping our sisters and brothers,
For those who are in need, who gladden our hearts by allowing us to be of use.
With spirits raised by all this, we are so bold as to ask even more:
We pray for more caring hands,
For the equitable sharing of the riches of the harvest,
For more affordable housing,
For more people of faith willing to put their faith into action,
And for our lives to be constant prayers that all may be safe, warm, and loved.
So may it be.
~ David Keyes, from Social Justice Resource Center
"The United States is in the midst of a severe housing crisis. This is a broader, more pervasive, and more complicated phenomenon than the customary photographs of urban slums and rural shacks indicate. It involves more people, more neighborhoods and communities than was thought to be the case even a few years ago. It touches millions of poor families who live in inhuman conditions, but it also involves many middle-income families whose ability to provide themselves with decent housing is being painfully tested. Rising costs of shelter, maintenance, and utilities—as well as high interest rates and regressive property taxes—are forcing many families to live in inadequate housing or to do without other basic essentials. Other low- and middle-income families have been confined to neighborhoods without adequate services, minimal safety, or necessary community life."
~ From A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of the United States, November 20, 1975
Let your elected officials know that this crisis is urgent. The current moratorium on eviction proceedings recommended by the CDC ends on December 31. People will move into unstable housing situations, over-crowded living conditions, or become homeless during the coldest weeks of the year unless we ask state and federal Representatives, Senators, and the White House to take action NOW! Urge politicians and lawmakers to do the right thing. Use the quick links on our Advocate Now page to get their contact information.
The organizations RESULTS and the National Alliance to End Homehas two current campaigns that can help you get started thinking about what to say to your elected officials. To prepare, you may want to read their blog post "Keeping Americans Housed During COVID-19". Data shows that calls are more effective than emails, and you are encouraged to make the words your own, such as including personal anecdote
People are in urgent need of affordable housing. Here are a few local organizations working to create affordable housing solutions:
Foundation Communities creates housing where families succeed.
Saint Louise House provides housing and essential services in Austin to homeless women with children.
Guadalupe Neighborhood Development Corporation (GNDC) is an affordable housing provider helping families from
East Austin remain in their neighborhood.
Here are a few organizations working on affordable housing solutions around the country:
Family Promise has numerous affiliates across the U.S. that help families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through community-based responses.
RESULTS advocates for policies that increase access to affordable rental housing, support homeownership, and tackle the racial wealth divide in the U.S. RESULTS is a movement of everyday people who use their voices to influence political decisions that will bring an end to poverty in the U.S. and globally.