FAITH Matters. Hosts Second Gathering

January 2008

After the success of last summers first FAITH Matters. luncheon at the PATH Regional Homeless Center, over 50 individuals representing over 90 faith groups gathered together on January 15th at Immanuel Presbyterian Church to continue the work of mobilizing faith groups to end homelessness through community engagement, advocacy, resource development, training, and the sharing of experiences.

Jonathan Hunter, the Managing Director for the Western Region of The Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH) was the luncheons guest speaker. His insightful and motivational presentation on the topic of "Lessons Learned in the Past: "How Institutional" Churches Transformed American Cities During the Turn of the Century," powerfully addressed the historical origins of faith congregations making great strides in social action during the time of the Industrial Revolution by feeding both the physical and spiritual needs of the residents living in their communities.

Since the inception of the initiative, FAITH Matters. has effectively helped mobilize over 860 walkers for its first call to action, the HomeWalk, (LA Countys first homeless walkathon last November). At this past luncheon, FAITH Matters. announced the formation of the initiatives Visioning Council in which members, including its founding partners (PATH, OPCC, LA Family Housing, and CSH) and faith representatives of the network will guide the network in the priorities of community engagement, public awareness events and policy and planning.

The next FAITH Matters. luncheon on April 8th at Leo Baeck Temple will feature David Levinson, Executive Director of Big Sunday, who will speak on the Jewish tradition of Mitzvah and community social action. Big Sunday is a community-wide service day (May 3-4, 2008) that will mobilize hundreds of people from various faith groups, schools and other community groups to volunteer at local agencies and organizations in Los Angeles County.

To rsvp or receive more information about FAITH Matters. contact Grace Yi at (323) 644-2213.