Housing for Our Neighbors

Neighbors protest at Aloha UMC

Churches across Oregon and Idaho are addressing housing needs in a wide variety of ways. Two congregations are receiving significant resistance from their neighbors over plans to place transitional housing micro-shelters on their property. These churches would like our support as they continue in their processes of working with local governments. 

The Aloha United Methodist Church in Washington County has received hate mail and been picketed by neighbors on several occasions. Pastor Keren Rodriguez has asked for cards with messages of encouragement. You can send cards to the congregation using the church address: 2270 SW 198th Ave, Aloha, OR 97003-2531.  Read more about the project.

Rev. Steve Mitchell

Christ’s Church Methodist & Presbyterian United in Polk County is in the beginning stages of planning but is already receiving resistance from neighbors. Pastor Steve Mitchell asks for prayers: “I would invite prayers that our congregations will know and do God's will for these projects and that God would grant wisdom and strength and whatever is needed to get the divine will done.  Prayers, also, for the neighborhoods, who are so unsettled by the idea and afraid of the terrible things that might happen to them and their neighborhoods if the projects become a reality.  Prayers, also, that we can effectively communicate and adequately deal with the neighborhoods' concerns.”  

MFSA will continue to be in contact with these pastors, and there may be other ways in the future to show your support as these important projects move forward.