Homelessness and housing instability are serious problems across the United States. Inflation, rising housing prices and shifting job markets are creating more economic uncertainty for a growing segment of the population. At the same time, local and state government are making things harder on the homeless by passing laws against vagrancy.
Churches and faith communities may be looking for ways to advocate for the homeless, but it can be hard to know where to start in addressing such a gargantuan issue. For the congregation of Mary Taylor Memorial UMC in Milford, CT, serving and advocating on behalf of others began with meeting them face-to-face across an open table.
Get to know the people you want to help
A few years ago, Mary Taylor Memorial began offering free community meals every fourth Thursday of the month that were open to everyone. While many of the people who come to these dinners are homeless or in unstable living situations, others are local church members and neighbors just looking for fellowship opportunities.
“The dinners are all about relationship-building. These meals give us an opportunity to sit down with people and listen to their stories. This has helped us learn from them what their needs are and the best ways to serve them,” said Mary Taylor Memorial Pastor Rev. Dr. Roy Grubbs.
Along with the providing food, the church set up a free table at the suppers stocked with basic necessities such as clothing or toiletries donated by members over the past month. Guests are welcome to take whatever they need. The free table also has produce grown from church’s own food garden.
Mary Taylor Memorial didn’t just want to treat the symptoms of homelessness and housing instability though. The congregations wanted to address the issues that lead to homelessness, while supporting efforts to provide more affordable housing across the community. In order to that though, they would need help.
Identify local partner organizations that can help
Real positive change requires a strong united community of people working together. Mary Taylor Memorial knew they would need help and researched other non-profits and advocacy groups already working on the ground. Most of these were thrilled to work with an established and respected faith community like theirs. Long-time church member and Milford resident Rachel Merva took a leading role in fostering these partnerships.
“We joined a grassroots organization called the All In Alliance. They exist in communities across the state, compromised of residents, faith leaders and advocates. All In wants to ensure all members of a community have a voice, food and a place to live,” said Rachel Merva.
The church also partnered with Beth-El Center, a local non-profit that provides food and shelter to the homeless. Beth-El helped the church launch its community suppers program and connect with the homeless in their community. Overtime as the ministry has grown other local non-profits and faith communities have gotten involved.
“We’re in the process of starting a new partnered program with Beth-El called Welcome Home Ministries, which is designed to help people who are moving from the shelter to permanent housing with their transition by offering storage and moving assistance,” said Rachel Merva.
“This program has expanded to include other churches and religious groups who don’t have the same space or resources we do, but are also very committed to serving the community. This is about everyone coming together to care about everyone,” said Rev. Dr. Grubbs.
Lean into your influence as a community
Good advocacy means lending one’s voice to those who often go unheard and unheeded in places of power. The congregation knew the collective voice of their members, their neighbors and other local non-profits/faith communities would make their advocacy much stronger.
Along with its free suppers, the church also hosts regularly community meetings where they offer information on local issues such as housing development, transportation and food access. Attendance at these meeting can sometimes exceed 100. The meetings are also an opportunity to organize petitions to local and state government.
“The most disadvantaged people often don’t have a voice at the table. Most of them don’t go to local government meetings. We are helping amplify their voices through our witness. Members of our congregation have shown up to local zoning board meetings to advocate on behalf the homeless,” said Rachel Merva.
This form of collective advocacy is already bearing fruit. Recently, the Milford Planning and Zoning Board approved a resolution to expand Beth-El Center’s operations thanks in large part to the massive support from town residents and local institutions like Mary Taylor Memorial.
Creating real change
Mary Taylor Memorial UMC's approach to addressing homelessness and affordable housing demonstrates the power of community-driven action, built on relationships, partnerships and advocacy. By starting with simple acts of fellowship, such as shared meals, the church has fostered trust and connection with those in need. Through collaboration with local organizations and a commitment to using their collective voice, they are creating real change.
Philip J. Brooks is manager of leader content at United Methodist Communications in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.