The faith community has come up with a remarkably innovative method for fighting homelessness in the Sacramento community. It’s a beautifully simple idea, which makes it even more beneficial: Ask parishioners at more than 80 houses of worship to donate one day’s worth of rent or mortgage for a telethon to prevent homelessness. The program is called “One Day to Prevent Homelessness,” and it will highlight the generosity of thousands of people in our region this weekend.
“If your rent is $1,000 per month, we would ask you to donate $33,” said Pastor Rick Cole of the Capital Christian Center. “If you’re monthly mortgage is $2,000, you can donate $66.”
The money raised has the opportunity to multiply many times over. If the religious groups and others raise at least $400,000, the local Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program will be eligible for $1.6 million in matching money from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The money will help over 600 families and individuals in the Sacramento region.
Community leaders believe the program will allow the community to help heal itself. Many of the contributions will come from everyday people who consider themselves fortunate to have employment and a place to live.
And, as noted by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, the campaign will provide assistance for many people who, thanks to the economic downturn or unforeseen misfortunes, suddenly find themselves on the margins of subsistence.
“These are people who want a hand up, not a hand out,” said the Mayor, whose Sacramento Steps Forward initiative is helping organize the campaign in partnership with the Sacramento Regional Community Foundation.
Individuals who are not part of one of the participating faith communities can donate online at http://www.onedaytopreventhomelessness.org. The “Day to Prevent Homelessness” will also feature a TV telethon Monday, March 22, on KCRA Channel 3.
1 Comments
Add Comment