From Don Fornoff, Bishop’s Task Force on Homelessness:
The easy (or easier) days of summer seem to allow us a respite from the hard issues of our days. So, it may appear to be for those who are unhoused. Yet, several recently written pieces detail the challenges facing the homeless and those on the edge, now and in harsher weather. Those challenges underscore the need to do as much as we can to serve these folks, our neighbors, as faithful ministers.
A Seattle Times piece written by Anna Patrick for the Times Homeless Project is one written piece. She explains the Point-In-Time Count in 2024 shows a 27.7% increase in homelessness. Sheltered homelessness also increased. The reason given is a lack of housing options. There is also disagreement over the effectiveness of the Count. St. Luke’s Ballard and the Diocese of Olympia are two wonderful examples of providing housing options. But for most of our parishes, taking care of basic needs – food, clothing, a place to park at night, a cool place to spend the day, and people to talk with- is the alternative to the ultimate goal of housing for all. Need I point out that disagreements over counts (or other methods to combat homelessness) ignore our mission – to love our neighbors as ourselves? Each County is required to publish its point-in-time counts. Just use your online search skills, and you can find your county.
Another article, also by Anna Patrick for the Homeless Project, came out just before the decision of the US Supreme Court on the Johnson v. Grants Pass. The writing lamented possible outcomes of a decision in favor of the city of Grants Pass. All were unfavorable outcomes for those who are unhoused and those who serve the unhoused. Since the decision was favorable to the city, we now must remain vigilant to the downturn in legal, financial, and social services available in our jurisdictions. We can’t return to the practices of the past, ignoring substance use disorders, mental illness, and rapidly rising rents. It is up to all of us to stay informed and offer what we can to our unhoused neighbors.
So that is why I encourage you, dear readers, to keep on reading about the issues. Be informed. Get active. Stay active. Keep in touch with decision-makers. Keep on keepin’ on, as I have been wont to say over the years.
Be well, do good works, love one another,
Don Fornoff
Member, Bishop’s Task Force on Homeless
