From Don Fornoff, Co-Chair of the Bishop’s Task Force to the Unhoused
Recognizing what needs to be done, organizing and recruiting to do that, working with others in the community, and communicating with vestry is all part of a good outreach plan. At Ascension Episcopal Church in Seattle, that is the way Chair Jan Monti has organized. Recipients of outreach include Interbay Tiny House Village, Operation Nightwatch, Mission to Seafarers, Ballard Food Bank, Queen Anne Helpline, Camp Huston, and Riverton Park Asylum Seekers. For those organizations and others, Ascension is committed through prayer and church involvement to reach out to others. Their website states Ascension is committed to housing our neighbors, befriending and welcoming strangers, feeding the hungry, and nurturing our children in faith. For six years, Jan has led a group that knows their partners and advocates for them. The idea is to not get too haphazard in the approach to serving those who are served by partners. The church’s outreach is funded by an annual media and book sale, as well as a fun event called a Dickens Faire Cookie Sale.
One of the highlights includes support of Low-Income Housing Institute’s (LIHI) Interbay Village, a successful short-term housing program which is replicated in other villages, mostly in King County, and welcomes Ascension’s service and support. Involvement in the Community Advisory Committee is a necessary part of the long-term commitment to LIHI and the residents of the villages LIHI works with. Along with others, they ascertain that there is good and active management of the village.
Another highlight, on a quarterly basis, is the gathering of clothing, household supplies, and other valuables so people can meet immediate needs and later move on into permanent housing. Queen Anne Helpline and Asylum Seekers also benefit. Parishioners and neighbors are called upon to gather up what they can. Then Jan pulls together folks to sort out clothes, belts, shoes, household goods, etc., and present these things to the residents so they can “shop” to find things they need. Just like a store! There is also a Pie Day every Thursday, with a social worker in attendance. Why do this? It demonstrates respect and dignity. It is parishioners living into the Baptismal Covenant and finding what it is to be in Beloved Community.
Submitted by Don Fornoff
Co-Chair, Bishop’s Taskforce for the Unhoused