Make of us, O God, a community of care and accountability,
a community alive with participation and possibility,
a community of hospitality and transformation.
May we be given the enthusiasm needed to participate in creating
a culture inclusivity and mutuality “that all may be one.”
from Sisters of St. Joseph
THAT ALL MAY BE ONE!
The Council is considering the 2014 proposed budget. Hearings are complete, Council discernment and discussion underway and the final votes will take place in late May through mid-June.
Mayor Gray made good on his $100 million pledge for affordable housing. $87 million is proposed for the Housing Production Trust Fund so that 10,000 affordable housing units can built and renovated. He has also proposed $13 million in small investments in a number of current housing assistance programs. THESE INVESTMENTS ARE TO APPLAUDED! They are a good first step in what must be long term commitment to fund affordable housing in the District – in prosperity and in lean times.
Beyond this significant investment in bricks and mortar, the budget raises serious concerns about how the poor and homeless will be treated TODAY. For persons who are homeless “today” is more real and more important than the “future.” In fact, it may be the only reality. Robust housing solutions for the currently homeless are needed NOW. And importantly, a single housing assistance program will not meet all needs.
How we transition persons currently residing in shelter or transitional housing to suitable, affordable, sustainable housing is a moral question. Human and legal rights must always be honored; human dignity must always be preserved. The 2014 budget is a moral document which should be built on the community’s priorities and moral principles. We are all neighbors and as neighbors, we must work to create “a culture of inclusivity and mutuality ‘that all may be one.’” This urgency of NOW and the call to oneness demands that successful housing programs must be funded according to the need – in the present and in the future. There is no excuse for any other action in our time of prosperity.
Good Faith Priorities for 2014 and recent published information on affordable housing and homelessness.
For more information: goodfaithdc@gmail.com, 202-328-5516.
April Newsletter for more information.
Good Faith Priorities for the 2014 Budget
What others are saying on Affordable Housing issues
Comprehensive Housing Strategy Task Force Report. March 2013. The Mayor’s task force presents a comprehensive look at the issues and makes strong recommendations on moving forward.
Recommendations for $100 Million Investment in Affordable Housing. Fair Budget Coalition in WLCH blog. March 12, 2013.
DC Will be Stronger if Everyone Succeeds: DCFPI’s Goals for the Upcoming 2014 Budget. March 10, 2013,