Action Groups
Programs
AIDS
Care Network
Call to Renewal
Education
Faith In Motion
Hunger Walk
Racial Justice
Institute
West Michigan CTR Links:
Sign
the CTR Covenant
Affordable Housing: Over the past year this action
group has gained knowledge about the condition and quantity of
current affordable housing stock, the need for affordable housing
in our area and the various providers of affordable housing in
our area. Using this knowledge base, it will provide user-friendly
information to congregations, monitor federal, state and local
housing policy initiatives and voice its concern regarding any
proposed housing policies which may adversely impact the poor.
Please contact Sr. Jarrett De Wyse, OP - 616-454-0928;
jdewyse@dwellingplacegr.org
or Betty Zylstra - 616-459-9468; betty_zylstra@USC.salvationarmy.org
Health Care: will look at cultural specific (non-traditional) means of reaching urban populations, who possess the most serious concentration of at-risk health problems, through current health care initiatives. They are looking to be a communication vehicle among the various initiatives, advocate/educate the general public about the tremendous need of health services in under-served populations and also educate people about strategies used to address health care concerns of the community. Please contact Frank Lynn (616 454-7900); paco3446@aol.com
Livable Family Income: has been meeting since last November. The main focus is the formulation of a Family Income Incentive Ordinance that will be presented to the Grand Rapids City Commission this fall. The Businesses that provide their workers with a livable family income, health insurance and other benefits will receive additional points in the bidding process for city contracts. This action group is working in cooperation with Delta Strategy to persuade businesses to provide a livable family income and with the Labor Council in their efforts, which may eventually include a Living Wage Ordinance. Please contact Steve Bohlert, (616) 336-9652; sbohlert@yahoo.com
Transforming Criminal Justice: This action group joined the existing "Restorative Justice Coalition", which exists to develop strategies that impact the criminal justice system by promoting restorative justice based on Biblical principles. The group's goals are to educate the community, advocate for change, motivate the faith community, and activate resources. Please contact Gene Beerens, (616) 248-5171; gbeerens@hopenetwork.org
Urban Sprawl: As populations shift from Core City to suburbs, to town and country settings, there is an accompanying loss of resources in, and immediately around, the city. Persons of means leave the cities with an abundance of social needs, a dwindling tax base, a struggling public school system, and a frustrated tapestry of urban dwellers seeking to flourish. This action group will look at issues involved in making sound land use and development policies and decisions and at potential organizing efforts that can make a difference in the quality of life for all that call West Michigan home. For further information, please contact Maureen Geary, OP - 616-243-0491, ext. 556; mgeary@dioceseofgrandrapids.org