Housing Ministry
Concern for the homeless has been a long-standing ministry for La Mesa First UMC. In 1987 we were the first East County church to participate in the regional Interfaith Shelter Network. 2006 marked our 20th year as a host church in the program. In 1998, we offered a summer course on “Poverty—the Effects of Welfare to Work.” This series sparked a deeper concern with the growing problems of poverty in our area and especially centered on the issue of homelessness.
In May of 2000, a church Film Discussion Group viewed “God Bless the Child,” a film depicting the struggle of a single mom who is homeless. Several members commented that “If we don’t do something what good is our faith?” Out of this came a core of interested people who were determined to do something about homelessness and poverty in San Diego County. Within this core group a key lay leader helped to bring together a variety of people (inside and outside of the church) to begin to discuss what could be done. This group, now called the Housing Ministry, began its first formal meeting in September of 2000.
Starting Out
Initial ideas gravitated around the purchase of a house or duplex to shelter a family that would be managed by the church. But with real estate prices at an all time high, it became clear that this could not be an immediate response. Instead a two-pronged immediate response was developed.
Build a financial base
To do this the committee asked 100 people to commit $10 per month for 12 months. Most of the responses came from people in the church, though several came from those outside the church who heard what was being done. This campaign began in April 2001, and as of August 20, 2006, we have provided assistance for 131 families. This assistance provided a sense of security for the adults, and a sense of stability for over 273 children. The Housing Ministry has expended over $81,000 to provide assistance to families. The cash assistance requested varies from $300 to $1,200. The only money received from outside sources was in the form of two special gifts—one for $5,000 and one for $10,000. All other monies have been contributed by members and friends of the La Mesa First United Methodist Church through ongoing pledges and gifts.
Focus on single parents
Our strategy was to develop a Selection Committee to meet with these families and understand how we could best provide assistance. It was also decided that, based on the case need, we would work with landlords to provide the security deposit or in negotiating supplemental rent for the family. It was understood that the payment would go to the landlord and not directly to the family, so that their Welfare to Work income would not be compromised.
Link Up
Along with our two approaches, the Housing Ministry has made a conscious effort to link up with other agencies and work in cooperation. Our families are referred by two groups. One is Grossmont College’s Project Workplace. This agency works with Welfare to Work clients who are either pursuing their education at Grossmont College or though an ROP training program. If there is a housing need for a single parent, a referral can be made to us.
The second agency is the Supportive Parents Information Network (SPIN) that helps low income parents achieve self-sufficiency. If housing is determined to be a need during the assessment of a client a referral can be made.
Our Housing Ministry agreed that education is a prime ingredient toward providing a long-range hedge against poverty. Therefore it was decided that our first priority is to work with families where the parent is continuing their education. In addition, we have found that we must be flexible and place an emphasis on maintaining a family in their current residence as well as seeking housing for single parents. Our efforts are very much a “work in progress.”
Making a Difference
The Housing Ministry continues to provide opportunities to educate ourselves, our congregation and friends on the issues of poverty. The Ministry also realizes that human relationships are vital and so means are being developed to mentor, encourage, and monitor the progress of those we help. This is carried on a relational trust and learning level rather than the usual case worker model.
As of July, 2004, the Housing Ministry had helped 66 families. Help has ranged from paying a back utility bill to ease the monthly outlay for a family, to advocating and locating an apartment for a single mom with 5 children who had a prior eviction. For this family the help came in the deposit, moving expenses and supplemental monthly rental assistance. Other forms of help include a deposit for an apartment for a family and rental assistance for another. It is important to note that each of these families that received help are not part of our congregation; although people in the congregation are not exempt from the program. This response to poverty by La Mesa First UMC did not follow a pre-conceived plan. It was not something issued from “higher-ups” to be carried out on a local level. It arose from the efforts of people, who were touched by the Spirit of God to respond in some tangible way to the poverty in their local area. Through the energy of a core of people this ministry took shape. It is very much a learning experience—and it continues to be so every step of the way. But, as this group worked together and things began to happen, the energy and possibilities multiplied. The Housing Ministry believes that what it takes to succeed is some boldness and passion, plus the willingness to take risks and even to fail.
Why Do We Do This?
In our Christian tradition, we have a mandate to offer hospitality to the stranger. A response to poverty is primarily a spiritual issue. Jesus Christ noted that those who are seeking to follow God are called to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and invite the stranger in. In fact, our love of God is directly proportional to our love and care of our neighbor. God and neighbor cannot be separated. When we reach out we do so as a vivid reminder of God’s care for all humanity. Although religious traditions and doctrines differ, they generally agree on the tenants of peace, justice, and compassion. The time is ripe for religious people to remember their traditions that have creatively dealt with the issues of poverty throughout history. Just imagine what could happen in San Diego County if 100 faith centers caught an idea of what they could do to help a homeless person or family in their area. If each faith center helped two families, that would be 200 families, including at least 400 children, kept out of homelessness.
Be An Advocate
Another aspect of the Housing Ministry is its role of advocacy with those who make policy. The Housing Ministry has attended and made presentations to the City Council of La Mesa and City Staff. In a city where many are shocked to find that 40 to 45 percent of the residents are low income, our goal is to work cooperatively with the City government to address the issues of poverty. The other area of representation is with the East County Regional Task Force on Homelessness.
Housing Ministry Sunday 2007
On January 28, 2007, the Housing Ministry invited three guest speakers to join us during worship. Gerardette Nutt of Grossmont College, Karen Alexander of the La Mesa Spring Valley School District, and Joni Halpern of the Supportive Parents Information Network (SPIN) spoke to the congregation about their respective involvements with the work of the Housing Ministry. A transcript of their portion of the worship service is available.
Contact Us
Would you like to know more about the Housing Ministry concept? For additional information you may contact Don Davis at (619) 698-2480. You can send a fax to La Mesa First United Methodist Church at (619) 466-8698 or contact the Church Administator via phone or email.