GCLC Prepares 40 New Leaders for Institutional Leadership
40 members of congregations participated in a two-day leadership training workshop to learn how to organize, build power, and act on their faith as congregational leaders.
GCLC Engages 275 Harvey Survivors in North, Northeast and Southeast Houston & Pasadena
After months of research on Houston disaster recovery systems, in which leaders learned there had been little movement from nonprofit agencies servicing clients, GCLC-prepared leaders organized 10 Hurricane Harvey Home Repair & Unmet Need Intake Sessions drawing 275 survivors from their congregations. The popularity of the sessions revealed still-massive recovery needs, particularly in low-income communities. Nearly 80% of all attendees lacked an active case manager or any communication with a recovery group prior to attending the sessions. Leaders plan to put together more intake sessions, offering similar access to recovery resources, in hard-hit areas with great need.
Leaders Hold Neighborhood Harvey Home Repair Session at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic
Leaders educate neighbors of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church about Harvey Home Repair opportunities. This event was preceded by a neighborhood walk in which leaders knocked on doors to listen to residents' concerns.
CCHD Feaures Flood Recovery Effort
Vulnerable Communities Respond to Hurricane Harvey
Following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey and loss of property and of work, CCHD-funded The Metropolitan Organization calls for a grace period for late rent payments in Houston. Read the NY Times story.
We Must Link Arms in Pursuit of a Loving Nation
[Excerpt]
....His eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo said, “As we learn more about the horrible events of yesterday, our prayer turns to the people of Charlottesville who offered a counter example to the hate marching in the streets. Let us unite ourselves in the spirit of hope offered by the clergy, people of faith, and all people of good will who peacefully defended their city and country. We stand against the evil of racism, white supremacy and neo-Nazism. Let us offer a special prayer of gratitude for the brave souls who sought to protect us from the violent ideology displayed yesterday. Let us especially remember those who lost their lives. Let us join their witness and stand against every form of oppression.
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Know Your Rights / Conozca Sus Derechos
English version further below
Todos que residen en los EEUU, inclusive los inmigrantes indocumentados , tienen ciertos derechos constitucionales. Los siguientes videos repasan qué hacer si los agentes de ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents) te visitan en su hogar, su trabajo o en público.
Resumen de sus Derechos:
1) No son obligados a abrir la puerta de su hogar
2) Tienes el derecho de mantener silencio
3) Tienes el derecho de hablar con un abogado
Know Your Rights
All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain U.S. Constitutional rights. The following videos discuss what to do if Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents (ICE) visit your home, place of work, or stop you in public.
Summary of Rights:
1) You do not have to open the door to your home
2) You have the right to remain silent
3) You have the right to speak to a lawyer
St. Peter's Episcopal Church Hosts House Meetings in Pasadena
At a house meeting event hosted by St. Peter's Episcopal Church, leaders residing in Pasadena, Texas shared stories of pressures their families are struggling with including payday lending, healthcare coverage gaps, public education and crime in their neighborhoods. Leaders sat around tables in these small group conversations.
All Saints Catholic Hosts DACA Workshop
In collaboration with Catholic Charities and the Gulf Coast Leadership Council, All Saints Catholic Church hosted a workshop covering the basics of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA).
Archbishop Fiorenza Praises GCLC for Supporting Church's Mission
Recalling the early days of IAF-inspired organizing of faith communities in Houston, Bishop Fiorenza sent his congratulations to the Texas IAF on the eve of its 40+ year anniversary. He writes, " It is a happy moment for me to congratulate all who have...participated in making human life more just and equitable in Houston due to outstanding efforts of TMO / GCLC." After listing local achievements, he adds, "It is evident that the work of TMO / GCLC and the Texas IAF are supporting the Church's mission to be a witness of compassion by putting faith into action."
GCLC Holds Civic Academy on Gentrification
Gulf Coast Leadership Council's civic academy on gentrification near Resurrection Catholic Church drew over two hundred parishioner and neighborhood leaders to learn about the issue.