From Don Fornoff, the Bishop’s Task Force on Homelessness:
Last week’s column cited a Habitat for Humanity study and ecumenical action plan. This was highlighted because many, if not most, Episcopal parishes in the Diocese of Olympia are small. I believe our ability to lead the way is inherent in God’s call to help the poor and needy. It takes many to do what needs to be done, hence the necessity for ecumenical outreach. That is if we believe in the power of faith to do good works. And I do.
I also cited the Episcopal Public Policy Network, Office of Government Relations, in its call to action and advocacy for solutions to homelessness. The office of HUD released an assessment report stating that since 2007, homelessness has continued to rise, with over 600,000 unhoused on any given night, an increase of 70,000 since 2023. The number of unhoused veterans did see a drop of 60% from 2010 to 2022, but recently, it has been rising once again. One in four unhoused individuals is over 55. Unaccompanied youth are also severely affected, including those with special needs, children of color, and LBGTQIA2+.
The effects of homelessness are widespread and pervasive. Housing insecurity intersects with many issues, including a lack of access to healthcare and education and a rise in incarceration. It impacts a wide range of individuals, including children, the elderly, and veterans.
To quote the EPPN, “as Episcopalians, we believe housing is a fundamental human right. As appropriations debates continue, we urge Congress to prioritize anti-poverty measures, including housing, and propose a final package that reflects the country’s commitment to assisting those who have the least. Psalm 46:1 declares that God is our refuge, and we believe that everyone is entitled to that physical and spiritual refuge.”
The Episcopal Church has three resolutions, which I’ll name and define, but leave it up to you to search the Office of Government Relations website to expand on what they call us to do. 2018-C041 calls us to advocate for policies supporting nutrition, healthcare, and housing as human rights. 2024-C003 authorizes the establishment of a task force on affordable housing and the unhoused. 20324-D057 reaffirms our call for housing as a human right, advocating for expansive solutions for the rising cost of housing in the US.
Much has been done, much has been tried, yet homelessness remains a vexing problem. The wider Episcopal Church and your Diocese are committed to alleviating homelessness. Each parish can be a part of that effort and that Call.
God, guide us to be just, kind, and humble.
Don Fornoff
Member, Bishop’s Taskforce on Homelessness
