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JPIC Focus: Housing and Homelessness

These special issue E-News editions are designed to go deeper into a 
particular focus area of Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation (JPIC). Questions? Email bwelch@cssjfed.org

Residents in the Philadelphia Dax Program work on a mural to brighten up St. Joseph's House.

Changes in housing policy, criminalization 
of homelessness, and other challenges

Affordable housing is out of reach for many Americans, resulting in housing insecurity and homelessness. This situation can be attributed to four key factors: limited units contrasted with demand, the high cost of what is available, limited housing subsidies for the most vulnerable populations, and the rising cost of constructing new units. Couple that with changes to housing policy under the current administration--together with the criminalization of homelessness via judicial action like the Supreme Court decision in the City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson--and we know that the more and more of our neighbors are at risk.

All across the Federation, congregations and their sponsored ministries are responding to the need through committed efforts to address housing and homelessness. Here are a few examples:


• The Sisters of Saint Joseph of Orange Healthcare Foundation provides grant support and investments aimed at improving housing security and at-risk populations, including families experiencing homelessness. The sisters recently repurposed their own motherhouse into low-income senior housing. 

• The Dax Program, operated by Depaul USA, supports college students experiencing housing insecurity by offering a communal living environment and case management. In Philadelphia, the program location is a former convent of the Sisters of Saint Joseph and in New York City, one of the sites is a former convent of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Brentwood.

• Through initiatives connected with the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Northwestern Pennsylvania, several ministries address homelessness and housing insecurity, including St. Patrick’s Haven, which offers shelter and support for homeless men; St. James Haven, an overnight refuge and comfort for homeless men; and SSJ Neighborhood Network, a community advocacy organization that offers housing support efforts such as the Genesis Program that provides quality, affordable housing while working with families to build financial savings as well as practical skills required for first‐time home buyers.

• Bethany Hill Place combines housing with learning opportunities to help families in greatest need develop skills, strengthen their lives, and build financially stable futures. The project took off in 1993 when the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Boston were awarded funding to repurpose their former novitiate building into 41 single, family, and congregate affordable apartments. The residents are men and women from all backgrounds, families with insufficient incomes to fully meet their needs, the elderly living on fixed incomes, and recent immigrants who are working hard and gaining steady but slow traction to make lasting change in their lives.

As you discern how you might respond, consider the following suggestions for education and action:

Education and Reflection

• "There is No Place for Us" is a new, award winning non-fiction book that chronicles the stories of people working full time jobs and still finding themselves housing insecure. Learn more about this hidden group and how framing housing as a human right could shift the policy landscape in the United States. You can also watch this video of author Brian Goldstone speaking at Boston College.

Advocacy and Action

• Catholic Charities USA offers a wide range of resources to advocate for better and more housing for persons in need, including a Catholic Social Teaching presentation on homelessness and a guide identifying the ways that racism has impacted housing access in the United States. Visit their tools here. 
  
• The National Alliance to End Homelessness is asking people to complete an Action alert to their congressional representatives that urges them to find a path to protect Continuum of Care Program funding from the inevitable timing delays and uncertainty resulting from HUD’s actions now and in the future. Click here to send a message to your legislators.

CURRENT FEDERATION PROGRAM OFFERINGS

Social Justice Designs Ready for FREE Digital Download

Together with Ministry of the Arts, the Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation ministry of the U.S. Federation of the Sisters of Saint Joseph issued a call for social justice designs this fall to amplify the work of justice and peace across the many congregations and sponsored ministries represented by the Federation.

Submissions came from high school and college students as well as partners in mission. A committee of artists and justice promoters selected three designs that we felt served the current moment. Many thanks to the artists, Ziania, Max, and Kelly! We encourage you to incorporate these images in prayer and education materials, as ACT Now advocacy cards, in offices to signal inclusive welcome, and in public witness to Gospel values. Click here to download.

OTHER JPIC OPPORTUNITIES FROM COLLABORATORS

Tuesday, January 20th at 7:30PM ET / 6:30PM CT / 4:30PM PT - Season of Faithful Witness Orientation and Info Session - This gathering will introduce a growing national movement within the Catholic community focused on organizing local, faith-centered witness and action from Ash Wednesday through Corpus Christi. Together, we will explore how our shared faith calls us to protect and promote human dignity in this moment. Register here. 

Wednesday, January 21st at 1:30PM ET / 12:30 PM CT / 10:30AM PT - Join the Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) and the Hope Border Institute (HOPE) for a webinar launching the Catholic Immigrant Prophetic Action Project (Catholic IMMpact). This project is designed to assist the Catholic Church in the United States to organize a robust response on behalf of migrants and refugees in the country who are living in fear of deportation. The initiative directly supports dioceses and archdioceses to strengthen the Catholic Church's response to mass deportations. Register here.

Monday, January 26th at 12 PM ET / 11AM CT / 9AM PT - Women Religious: Leading the Way on Laudato Si’ and the Synodal Process with Sr. Carol Zinn, SSJ and Sr. Bridget Bearss, RSCJ, Leadership Conference of Women Religious; Sr. Ricca Dimalibot, CCVI, M.D., Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word; Kascha Sanor, Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph; and Marianne Comfort, Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team with facilitation by Catholic Climate Covenant. Register here.

STAY CONNECTED