Mobilizing the Faith Community to Address Family Homelessness

Claas EhlersDirector of Affiliate Servicescehlers@familypromise.org

Faith-Based Providers:Salvation Army, Rescue Missions, Church-run shelters and service programs, Denominational CDCs, YMCA/YWCA/etc., Habitat for Humanity

Faith Community:Congregations, judicatorial bodies, interfaith alliances, ministeria, religious schools

Definitions

Why be part of the CoC

Coordinated approachFundingTrendsCensus ReferralsNature of families

served

Re-Aligning Who You Are and What You Do

Housing First Interim Housing

Solution-oriented Ending culture of

shelter Reducing time in

shelter

Opportunities

CollaborationsAdditional Resources

Funding Program expansion

Advocacy

Tapping into the faith community

Direct ServiceMaterial SupportProfessional ServicesFinancial SupportAdvocacy

Best Practices in Working with Faith Community

What you need to have in place

ExpectationsTime and leadershipClear and effective

communication channels

Patience and flexibilitySpecific calls to action

How to approach the faith community

Ministerial/Interfaith Groups Existing agendas Inability to act as a group Overcommitted clergy

Connections Internal referrals are best Lay leaders

Face-to-face contact

Issues relevant to the faith community

Social issues Serving unmarried

or same sex couples Proselytizing

Approach Other partners Involving children

directly

Tips

Ignorance beats assumption

The more specific the better

Use pictures, storiesHave friends in the

religious community help you find the language and references

Tips

Talk: Find out where people you know worship, how

engaged they are in issues and who to approach at the congregation—and use your connectors names

Thank: Acknowledge everything a congregation does

Leaders: Find lay leadership for your efforts

Connect: Person-to-person connection, letters, emails