STRAGETIC PLAN PRESENTATION
As community leader there are of organizations and individuals that can rally around an issue. Particularly in times of community crisis, people are willing to rally around a cause and lend their resources. A recent example would be the “Ice Storm of 2021,” where families were stuck inside their homes for an extended period. Churches and public facilities opened and made makeshift shelters. Food, water, blankets and “survival items” delivered throughout the nights and by people of all social classes.
While organizations and individuals are eager and willing to rally around an issue, that support tends to be in place more so during times of what I consider as “feel good crisis.” When a crisis is short-lived, we tend to gravitate towards relief that is transactional – food or water distribution, or clothes drives. However, we have not necessarily been able to come together for the long-haul for matters that may require more time, dialogue and giving of ourselves. Matters that come to mind include recent racial tension that sparked conversations across our country; the recent death of a young man at the County jail and even with the current gentrification that is taking place in the older section of the community. While the church may lend its voice during a called rally or a protest march, those efforts tend to phase out over time. In terms of gentrification, people find themselves grasping for help and understanding from the local government, while the church tends to remove itself from ongoing civic matters that may require more time, dialogue and giving of ourselves. Thus, gentrification may be an issue, but apathy or indifference from the Church may be the root.
Gentrification is a current issue in our community. Sadly, policies like eminent domain and local long-term comprehensive plans provide room for municipalities to enact changes that can have negative impacts on communities for the sake of redevelopment. Especially in areas that have felt neglected for years of time and people now being at-risk of separation from their current neighborhood, often many generations, this is an issue of humanity and quality of life in a tangible way.
This is on track with important needs in the community. Community, housing, and economic development are especially important needs. However, when it comes at a cost of increased property values, increased property taxes and potential displacement, those who reap the benefits might not be the ones who have built the communities or those who have deep roots in those communities.
The city has brought in consultants and has collaborated with the community to keep them abreast of updates and to seek community input. However, the presence of the Church has been waning, at best. I would offer this to the Church: With the power of the Holy Spirit, led by doing and by being present. As you go, so go the people.
The church and faith-based organizations could be voices that serve to bridge the divide between government and the people. Sadly, getting churches to participate in change that adds this type of value is not always readily visible. Too often, it requires a “call to action” by the right voice/name/entity. This also has to do with the number of nonprofit entities that currently exist. Sadly, too often the church has abdicated its presence within the community and overlooked by organizations for lack of those who are walking in unity as the Church.
