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Poverty and Homelessness
Housing is expensive, the cost of food has increased, gas prices are high and many of our local families and individuals are struggling financially. Some are suffering with physical illness or disability, mental health challenges, addictions and aging, in addition to their financial woes. Some of our neighbors no longer have homes and are living on the streets.
We still have two more weeks of Lent. As you continue your Lenten practices of prayer, fasting and charity, consider giving of your time, talent, and treasure to help alleviate some of the suffering of our neighbors in poverty or those facing homelessness in our own neighborhood. Here are a few opportunities:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Luke Conference: Our Vincentians have been very busy lately serving families and individuals by providing rental assistance, utilities assistance, food from our pantry, furniture, connections with other resources…and especially hope and encouragement. To volunteer or to refer someone for food or assistance, please contact the St. Vincent de Paul phone line at (626) 684-2914. To make a financial donation, please use the blue envelopes in the pews.
Temple City Homeless Coalition: Several St. Luke parishioners are active volunteers with the Temple City Coalition. The Coalition, aka Neighborhood Table, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit consisting of members from several faith communities in Temple City and surrounding areas. The Coalition provides resources to our unsheltered neighbors and those in need by offering a weekly lunch and Bible reflection on Wednesdays at Temple City Park; quarters and laundry soap every Wednesday afternoon at the local laundromat to help people do their laundry; free haircuts; Sunday afternoon gatherings of the homeless for food, fellowship and distribution of hygiene items; and light case management to connect people with needed services, including referrals to St. Vincent de Paul. For more information about the TC Coalition and how you might assist, including providing donations, please visit the TCC website at http://neighborhood-table.org/index.html or call (626) 285-4500.
SGV Habitat for Humanity: Although St. Luke parish does not currently have an active Habitat for Humanity ministry, many of our St. Luke families already support this worthy organization that builds affordable housing for families currently living in substandard living conditions, crowded, or overly expensive housing. Parishioners can learn about the Homeownership Program and the Home Repair Program at the SGV Habitat website at https://sgvhabitat.org. You can shop at the Pasadena Habitat ReStore or their Online store, https://www.sgvrestore.org/. You can volunteer to help build a house or make house repairs at https://sgvhabitat.org/get-involved/volunteer/.
God of Justice,
Open our eyes to see you in the face of the poor.
Open our ears to hear you in the cries of the exploited.
Open our mouths to defend you in the public squares
as well as in private deeds.
Remind us that what we do to the least ones,
we do to you.
Amen.
~St. Luke Life, Justice and Peace Ministry
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