Collaboration…it’s something our Vincentian Family is familiar with and puts into practice as often as possible. Collaboration amongst different faiths AND city/county officials to end homelessness? Now that is something you don’t hear about very often!

Paul Starkey, President of the Sacramento Diocesan Council of St. Vincent de Paul shared the following:

Join long time Sacramento interfaith leaders, including Bishop Jaime Soto, with city and county officials, regarding strategies for ending homelessness in Sacramento.  All faith leaders, their assistants and congregation social action committees are invited to be part of the conversation! It will take place Wednesday, August 16, 2017 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (Box Lunches courtesy of InterFaith Council) at the Capital Christian Center. RSVP by Aug 14 to president@sacramentointerfaith.org.

According to their flyer, below are the topics of exploration that may be included in the gathering. With the launch of the Vincentian Family Homelessness Initiative, it would be worth reflecting on the non-specific questions with regards to our own communities. And consider the benefits of collaborating!

Topics of exploration may include:
• Who are the homeless in Sacramento – families, veterans, single adults, youth, chronically homeless, disabled seniors?
• What is a Continuum of Care and what is its function? How do clergy become involved?
• What is the Housing First initiative?
• What are the obstacles to securing housing and services for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless? How can clergy help?
• What are the possible funding sources for increasing housing and services? Church and State?
• Is Housing First cost effective?