Sunday, Dec. 7 | 10:00 am | Parish Hall/Zoom -
As we enter this holy season of light, hope, gratitude, and generosity, we know, as Christians, that one of our greatest blessings is our ability to help others. We think of Jesus, born in the most humble, transient surroundings, a refugee from political oppression in his infancy and without a home as an adult, relying on the kindness of friends and supporters for food and shelter. We remember Jesus’s call to love our neighbors as ourselves, and to always, always, stand with the most vulnerable.
For many years in our county and in our country, the policy of “Housing First,” which provides permanent supportive housing and wrap-around services to our neighbors experiencing long-term homelessness, has been a remarkable success. “Housing First” dramatically increases chances that people experiencing homelessness will succeed, with help, in efforts to address mental, physical, and educational disabilities and conquer other obstacles to achieve stability in their lives and as members of their communities.
Sadly, however, federal support for “Housing First” is now under serious threat. The federal government proposes to imminently slash funds provided to states to offer permanent supportive housing programs, threatening to throw many onto the streets as early as January. These cuts will be devastating to Montgomery County’s efforts to prevent and end homelessness. It will impact especially families and children—in a system already struggling to address a 32-percent increase in homelessness last year, with shelters overwhelmed and support networks struggling to keep up.
We are lucky to welcome to our December 7 Adult Forum Ms. Christine Hong, Montgomery County Director for Services to End and Prevent Homelessness. (See full bio below.) In conversation with our Rector, Sari Ateek. Ms. Hong will update us on this challenge, its implications, and how faith communities can help.
Please join us as we learn and consider what our response should be—in this season of preparation for the greatest gift God has given us—at our 10:00 forum hour on December 7, either in the Parish Hall or via Zoom (link: bit.ly-/STJNmain).
- The Rev. Anne Derse
About Christine Hong
Christine Hong is the Chief of Services to End and Prevent Homelessness (SEPH) with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services. She earned a Masters in Social Work from the University of Maryland and worked in homeless services for more than 17 years in Montgomery County before being recruited to lead SEPH.
From her earliest days as front-facing shelter staff to her role as the Director of Homeless Services at Interfaith Works, she dedicated herself to working with people experiencing homelessness. Through her leadership, Interfaith Works implemented approaches that recognize the vulnerability of the population, respect the dignity of each individual, and reduce barriers to services and housing. In her current role at SEPH, she is working to build cohesion and momentum within the public-private partnership that is the County Homeless Continuum of Care, with the goal of preventing and reducing homelessness, and eventually reaching functional zero.
Christine was born and raised in Montgomery County and is a Wootton Patriot. She lives with her husband and son in Rockville.
Questions?
Complete this form to connect with The Rev. Anne Derse, Deacon & Minister for Community Engagement.