On a “Colorado bluebird sky” Wednesday in February, Mayor Hickenlooper and his Clergy Council hosted the Mayor’s 3rd Annual faith community luncheon. The purpose of the faith luncheon was to tell the faith community about the phenomenal success of their efforts on behalf of the homeless, and to inspire those in attendance to persist in tackling the Mayor’s homeless challenge. Buoyed by the 420 faith leaders present and the achievement of Denver’s faith community, Mayor Hickenlooper remarked, “83% of families helped through FSHI are still in permanent housing one year later: an incredibly high success rate!”
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Leaders from the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative from left to right: Don Reeverts (Denver Leadership Foundation), Rev. Canon Rebecca Crummy (St. John's Cathedral), Wayde Henderson (FSHI), Rabbi Joel Schwartzman (B'nai Chaim), Jamie Van Leeuwen (Denver's Road Home), Dr. Jim Ryan (Colorado Council of Churches), Roxane White (Denver Human Services), Dr. Jim Dixon (Cherry Hills Community Church), Pastor Tom Melton (Greenwood Community Church), Chris Rose (Archdiocese of Denver), and Brad Hopkins (FSHI) |
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Quoting President Lincoln, Mayor Hickenlooper said, “With public sentiment, nothing can fail,” as he went on to thank the faith community for making sure the least among us are not forgotten. The Mayor continued, “Our One Congregation, One Family effort is key to reducing homelessness in our communities.”
Vital to the success of Mayor Hickenlooper’s call to the faith community has been the Mayor’s Clergy Council. Members of the Clergy Council have been tasked with mobilizing 1,000 congregations to embrace 1,000 homeless families. Interviewed below, three members of the Council -- Rabbi Joel Schwartzman (of B’nai Chaim Synagogue), Dr. Jim Dixon (Pastor of Cherry Hills Community Church), and Brad Meuli (President and CEO of the Denver Rescue Mission) -- add further insight into the vision of ending homelessness for 1,000 families and seniors by 2015.
We hope that these leaders’ enthusiasm for the work being done through FSHI helps connect you to the “bigger picture,” and strengthens and encourages you in your service to the homeless.
FSHI: What made you decide to get involved with the mayor’s clergy council?
Rabbi Schwartzman: In the midst of an ever growing street population of homeless, here was someone … the Mayor … who was saying that we could do something about the situation. Having worked in the area of affordable housing and having sympathy for those I was seeing on the streets, I jumped at the chance to “do something” about the problem in an organized way.
Dr. Dixon: First of all, it was the theme of helping the homeless. We have, at our church, a vision statement which includes the goals of our church [and the] the vision of our church: to elevate the urban poor. It fit the vision statement of our church.
Brad Meuli: The FSHI program came out of a Denver Rescue Program that had been around for a long time, Family Rescue Ministry, formerly known as Pros with a Purpose, started by Denver Broncos’ punter Mike Horan. The Mayor knew how successful this program was and asked us to be the link between the City and the faith-based community. As President of the DRM, it just made sense for me to be on the Clergy Council; I consider it an honor!
FSHI: What is the most rewarding aspect of serving on the Mayor’s clergy council?
Rabbi Schwartzman: Seeing some people get help. This, and the fact that the Council has used some of my PR skills, and they, in turn, have helped others to get involved.
Dr. Dixon: The most rewarding aspect is being part of a good cause! Our church really responded. I came back from our initial meeting, and we had over 200 people volunteer to work with homeless people in regard to FSHI, and another 100 [volunteered] later.
Brad Meuli: The Denver Rescue Mission provides the bridge between the City and the faith-based community. I know of no other program like this. The Mayor stated at the FSHI luncheon, “This has been the most successful program of our Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness!” Wow, this is exciting!
FSHI: In your mind, what makes the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative unique among other programs?
Rabbi Schwartzman: As long as we can keep our eyes on the goal of getting people housed and doing so with the counsel that is helping them to stay housed, we succeed. We are very, very different people from widely different denominations who don’t always understand each other…but as long as we have these common goals, we work relatively well together.
Dr. Dixon: Part of what makes it unique is the Mayor and the government holding hands with the faith community. That’s a very unique thing. A lot of government employees are hesitant to do anything with the church, and I appreciate that about John [Hickenlooper]. None of it would work without the Denver Rescue Mission, either. I like the way it links the secular and religious community.
Brad Meuli: The partnering of government and the faith-based community.
FSHI: How do you feel the FSHI program helps fulfill the faith community’s role in helping the homeless and needy?
Rabbi Schwartzman: The synagogue and my Judaism tell me that I have a duty to work with all of God’s people…people who are made in the image of God. I have a duty to help where and when I can.
Dr. Dixon: [FSHI] enables the church to take action. Most churches have a desire to help, but not all do…it gives the church a handle they can take hold of and get involved.
Brad Meuli: This program allows the church to develop relationships with people, to see the face of homelessness up close, and then do something tangible about it. There is no other program that offers the opportunity to minister to the poor that this one does.
FSHI: What would you like to tell congregations thinking of mentoring a family through the Family and Senior Homeless Initiative?
Rabbi Schwartzman: Try it! You’ll receive the support you need. It’s in our best interest to turn tax-takers to tax payers.
Dr. Dixon: I think that God is just so pleased when he sees us working to help the needy and the poor. First, it pleases God, second it helps people who are desperately needy. You’re the one who gets the biggest blessing by trying to help others! Folks who have done this, many of them have committed beyond 6 months. They’ve been helping for a year. They truly feel like they are the ones who have been blessed.
Brad Meuli: When you wrap the servant towel around your waist to help the poor and needy, you will find the work tough and messy at times, but you will be blessed beyond measure and changed forever. You have an opportunity to change lives. Please join us in this work! |
