Act with Mercy and Compassion - Housing Advocate Network (HAN)
“Home Sweet Home” is much more than a phrase we crochet on a pillow: it represents security, safety, shelter, and a place where we can shower for work, cook our meals and plan what we'll do each day. For too many Missoulians, that place called home doesn't exist; it's a car, a camping spot, a structure not meant for habitation. It's a chaotic, challenging and dangerous existence, especially when children are involved. But there are ways we as Holy Spirit parishioners can help.
Holy Spirit Parish is a member of the Missoula Interfaith Collaborative which runs the Housing Advocate Network, HAN. For several years, HAN has matched everyday people (like me) to work with individuals, couples and families who are struggling to find housing in this increasingly expensive and unit-scarce market. Many of these folks just need someone in their lives, a concerned person, a pair of supportive partners, a team to surround them as they navigate the daunting housing system.
This fall, HAN is launching a Housing Stabilization Program known as Just Neighbors, which HSP parishioners can join as an HSP team. (A pilot begins this summer with teams from First Presbyterian and UCC but opens to all of Missoula's faith community this fall.) Teams of 6 to 8 volunteers will support throughout the first year families who have been newly housed but are struggling to keep it. Families living on the edge, many of whom have no family support structure of their own, need our help, and this is a wonderful way for Holy Spirit parishioners to work together to provide it. We as parishioners can support each other as we help support our houseless neighbors! My work as a HAN volunteer has broadened my world and deepened my faith as a follower of Christ. How wonderful if we could join in this important work together as Holy Spirit parishioners.
Lucia Solorzano Work