[Episcopal Public Policy Network] In this week’s reflection, we focus on housing. The Rev’d Canon E. Mark Stevenson, Domestic Poverty Missioner for the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, provides background on the realities of access to housing in the United States. Then, Chris Sikkema, Mission Associate for Justice and Advocacy Ministries of the Domestic and Foreign Missionary Society, shares how St. Francis Center in Denver, CO is working to provide safe and stable housing for people in its community. Here’s an excerpt of the reflection. Please click the link below to read the full reflection on our website.

Engaging Poverty Through Housing

My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places. Isaiah 32:18 (NRSV)“On a single night in January 2013, there were 610,042 people experiencing homelessness in the United States, including 215,344 people who were living in unsheltered locations.” On that particular night, nearly one quarter (23%) were children. More than a third (36%) were a part of a homeless family.

So reports the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in its recent annual report to Congress. Many non-governmental agencies contend that HUD underestimates the actual number of those who experience homelessness over the course of a year, especially when it comes to children. The National Center on Family Homelessness, basing its calculations in part on Department of Education statistics, asserts that nearly 2.5 million American children were homeless at some point in 2013.

This tragic situation is tied in large part to such systemic issues as a lack of affordable housing across the nation, racial disparities, and domestic violence. While not comprehensive, these three issues are becoming an ever increasing reality faced by the unemployed and working poor alike.

Please GO HERE to access the full reflection.