Seattle University, founded in 1891, is dedicated to its mission: To educate the whole person, to professional formation, and to empowering leaders for a just and humane world. One of the University’s foundational values, at the core of its Jesuit identity, is a faith that does justice. Seattle University’s School of Theology and Ministry (STM) represents over 17 religious traditions, including partnerships with Reformed, Protestant, Anglican, Unitarian, Roman Catholic and Evangelical faith communities, as well as Jewish and Muslim. Out of these partnerships and a trusted reputation as educator and leader in interreligious conversations, STM is committed to developing and administering leadership in social justice advocacy and collaborations, including that of the Faith & Family Homelessness Project.
The Faith & Family Homelessness Project of Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry (STM) is a concentrated two-year effort to inspire increased advocacy and care around the issue of family homelessness in the greater Puget Sound faith community.
Over a 16 month period, twelve faith communities in the King, Snohomish and Pierce counties commit to use their social and political will as a force for changing cultural and societal attitudes, behaviors and policies that surround the crisis of family homelessness. Selected communities will receive tailored support to increase their understanding of the issue, while learning to effectively advocate for public policy changes needed to reduce family homelessness in the region. STM will provide trainings and events about the causes of family homelessness and effective measures to address the issue.
STM will work with Associated Ministries to identify 4 faith communities in Pierce County. Selected applicants will receive financial resources and tailored support to increase their response to family homelessness while learning to effectively advocate for the public policy changes needed to reduce family homelessness in the region. STM will award up to $10,000 per faith community to pay for trainings and events designed to educate their membership about the causes of family homelessness and effective measures to address the issue.
Upon selection, faith communities will work with Associated Ministries and FFH Project staff to create a project plan and related budget. Project plans will reflect and build upon the shared spiritual beliefs and values of the faith community. Each plan will cover a one-year period, with clearly defined activities and outcomes.
Ideal communities will exhibit the desire to use their social and political will as a force for changing cultural and societal attitudes, behaviors and policies around family homelessness.
Application materials can be accessed at http://faithandfamilyhomelessness.com/ Applications must be received no later than February 29, 2012. Questions can be directed to Chris Morton, Executive Director at chrism@associatedministries.org or 253-426-1502.
Lisa Gustaveson - Project Manager, Faith and Family Homelessness Project at Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry email: gustavel@seattleu.edu or 206.296.2657.
Lisa Gustaveson - Project Manager, Faith and Family Homelessness Project at Seattle University School of Theology and Ministry email: gustavel@seattleu.edu or 206.296.2657.
