"An Interesting Bit Of Irony"

From the Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins, Bishop of Louisiana:

On the day before the City Council of New Orleans voted unanimously to move ahead with the demolition of four public housing sites in New Orleans, Church leaders were summoned by FEMA and HUD to a housing summit. We were asked by the officials present to assist with the looming housing crisis in New Orleans. Those of us who attempt to minister in the area of housing were asked to move quickly to be part of the solution to the crisis that is coming. We were told that the critical point would be in April of 2008.

FEMA plans to move thirty thousand families out of travel trailers before the next Hurricane season. There are apparently six thousand families still in “trailer parks.” Many trailers are still in front of ruined houses.

When asked of the demolition of projects that could have provided temporary housing for citizens, the reply came, “bad timing, isn’t it?” You can’t make this stuff up, you know? I should also point out that the Mayor of New Orleans apparently knew nothing of this summit.

Let us be clear that our Diocese is committed to the ministry of housing. We are not just about building houses but homes. We seek the transformation of lives and the improvement of neighborhoods.

Our JERICHO ROAD EPISCOPAL HOUSING INITIATIVE continues to build new houses in the Central City neighborhood. We are partnered with many in this ministry. JERICHO ROAD is also involved in “gap financing” and homeowner education to help transform renters into owners. JERICHO ROAD depends upon the generosity of others for its funding. This ministry of the Diocese, Christ Church Cathedral, New Orleans, and Episcopal Relief and Development is recognized as a leader in rebuilding our city. A new opportunity for consideration by the JERICHO ROAD Board is to move into refurbishing rental property in Central City. This move could provide affordable rental property: a move that speaks directly to the urgent request of FEMA and HUD.

In a separate and distinct ministry, the Diocese continues to clean and rebuild houses ruined by the floodwaters. This ministry is funded in large measure by Episcopal Relief and Development but must increasingly depend upon the generosity of individuals. Katie Mears and her team of trained college interns head up this ministry. Volunteers from around the country continue to give of their time and talents to make this happen. Since so many have not received Road Home funds, the Diocese has been providing the materials for many of these rebuilds. The results are amazing and the generosity of those with whom we have worked is heartwarming. When the Road Home funds have finally come to those with whom we have worked, we have seen an outpouring of generosity that is amazing.

Even though the ideas I put forward in the public housing debate did not prevail, I want all to know that our Diocese stands committed to safe and dignified housing in our city. A loss in one area is often an opportunity in another. God is good.

Bishop Jenkins

I'm quite proud of the leadership that Bishop Jenkins and his staff have shown in care and concern for those who suffered loss after Katrina and the federal flood. The Diocese of Louisiana is doing great work in the recovery effort in Louisiana.

It's probably not a good time of the year to suggest further donations for, by now, many folks are maxed out in their spending, nevertheless, here's the link to donate to the Jericho Road project. More information on the program can be found here.