Email Link
Facebook
Twitter
DiggWhile Ministries May Change, Our Convictions Will Not
By the Rev. Dr. James H. Cooper
Rector
Ministries change over time, much like people and parishes. Cities change as well, and as new civic regulations take shape, it appears change is imminent for John Heuss House, the homeless center Trinity administers. I join our parish community in saying, with sadness, we wish this were not so.
For twenty-one years, John Heuss House has acted as a vital Gospel witness - a place where the last are first, the least the most deserving of communal concern. John Heuss House operates 24 hours a day, year round, and in its history has served more than 20,000 people.
As an institution committed to this neighborhood, Trinity provides financial and administrative support for John Heuss House. The city covers most of the center’s operating costs. Yet as it currently stands, the city is reshaping its philosophy on the best way to assist people without homes, doing away with drop-in centers in favor of transitional housing.
This means we will likely be left without a city partner. Yet we will not be left without our convictions. Even though the way we serve the homeless of Lower Manhattan may change, our commitment to them will not. At this point, we can say the following with certainty:
Nothing is final - yet. However, all signs are pointing to the dissolution of John Heuss House at 42 Beaver Street, and we need to act and plan accordingly.
Trinity has established a Visioning Committee for John Heuss House to explore the possibilities for Trinity’s homeless ministry, including partnerships with other faith communities.
Our commitment to the homeless of this city remains strong. We will find new ways to express our Gospel understanding that the least among us are the most important people in our ongoing story.
Comments
Share Your Comments Below: