Help us build a registry of faith communities with land opportunities
Hello everyone.
We've had a few interesting conversations lately where the idea of a registry of faith communities with land has come up. These are faith communities interested to explore what might be possible on land connected to their church/mosque/temple or somewhere in their neighbourhood.
Faith communities might be exploring this for many reasons, including the following:
Redevelopment is necessary; ie. an aging building that is getting difficult to maintain, and no longer serves the community's needs appropriately.
In order to live out values like compassion, generosity and hospitality; Seeking opportunities to provide help for people in need.
Looking for ways to connect with the broader community.
We are certainly aware of some of those in conversation already, but have never made the effort to form a stronger list. As efforts to address housing issues heats up across the city, we think now is the time to get that list going.
Before you trust us with any information, here is our promise to you:
This list will never be made public in any fashion. It will only be used internally, or in confidence with trusted partners in the city.
Any effort we make will be one of support for the conversation taking place in a faith community; no pressure or lobbying.
We will respect your timeline and process at every stage.
Please pass along any initial connections or information to our Interfaith Network Animator, Mike Van Boom at: mike@interfaithhousing.ca. We will follow up from there.
Many thanks!
CRIHI's Steering Committee
Above: Westmount Presbyterian's Rebuild in the North Glenora Community; https://wp.me/p20ewB-NL
Visit us at Interfaithhousing.ca to learn more.
CRIHI Plenary Gathering Wednesday, March 20
Come join us as we consider our work together as a movement, including a discussion of the new Local Area Network project. Approximate timeframe: 9:30 am until 12:30 pm Location to be announced
Interfaith Habitat Works Project March 5 to June 5, 2019
CRIHI and her partners at Habitat for Humanity invite you to come join us as people of many faiths put boots on the ground together building homes for people. This year we are hoping to rally 600 volunteers to this project, so help us spread the word!
Ways you can get involved:
Volunteer on a build or at a ReStore: Volunteers can come out either individually or as a group. Beginners are welcome and all equipment and tools are provided.
Feed the volunteers: contributions of lunches or baked goods are welcome.
Attend the Kick-off and Wrap-up events
As we approach the launch date we will forward you more information on:
how to register as a volunteer or group
how to schedule a lunch
our Interfaith information session dates (these are sessions held prior to the project open to all to attend)
available resources you can share with your faith group
Kick-off and Wrap-up dates and event details!
Information Session upcoming for this project on January 17 from 2:00-3:00 pm.
Contact Monica at volunteer@hfh.org to rsvp.
To get on the list to receive further updates and details, sign up on the Interfaith page on Habitat's website. http://www.hfh.org/interfaith/
One of the biggest reasons people struggle or fail as they come out of homelessness into housing is loneliness. Welcome Home assembles and trains a small team of volunteers to walk with someone as a friend. This is a one-year commitment to go for coffee, go bowling, take long walks, to encourage and pray for a fellow human being on a tough stretch of the road. To find out more information about volunteering contact the Welcome Home Coordinator at 780-378-2544. https://www.cssalberta.ca/Our-Ministries/Volunteer-Mentoring-Support
Get Firsthand Experience
CRIHI's website has a strong list of opportunities where volunteers can learn by serving. Here's the link: http://wp.me/P20ewB-5R
Get involved in your Local Community
Visit or Join your Community League - engage in your neighbourhood's efforts to build community, go for coffee with the leadership, and learn about some of the justice issues taking place in your neighbourhood. http://www.efcl.org
Explore the social dynamics in your neighbourhood
Unsure what the needs are in your community? MAPS Alberta is a great resource to see how your neighbourhood stacks up on a range of social demographics. Explore their Social Atlas and numerous other useful resources at: www.mapsab.ca
Connect, Contribute, Inspire!
Join our Learning Community! The Interfaith Housing Initiative was formed in response to a City of Edmonton and Province of Alberta commitment: the Ten-year-plan to End Homelessness. Faith leaders from across the city came together to say, “Addressing homelessness is important to our communities too! How can we help?”
Get Involved! Join the conversation! Sign up for our email newsletter and learn with us. This is a monthly publication where we will be provide good information, generate ideas that work, tell each other’s stories, and share how communities and organizations around Edmonton are responding to the needs of Edmonton’s most vulnerable.
Share your stories with us! A good story reminds us of what is possible. The work of providing help, support and home to a neighbor is nothing new, and people of faith tell many stories that inspire. Stories from today, or stories from a thousand years ago; we want to hear them! Share the stories of compassion, hospitality that inspire you and your community so that their sharing can inspire others around Edmonton.
Submit stories and insights to mike@interfaithhousing.ca
Contact Us:
Mike Van Boom
CRIHI Housing Ambassador
Mike@interfaithhousing.ca
(780) 554-2703
Religious and spiritual communities working to end homelessness in Edmonton
