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Housing Justice
Recent reports tell us there are more than 170,000 unhoused in California. That’s an astronomical number! While some are transplants from out of state, far more were living and working here when multiple factors resulted in their inability to afford housing. While mental illness is certainly a factor—sadly, that is the most frequent and unpleasant encounter many have with our unhoused—the vast majority of those without a secure roof over their heads are either working at low-wage jobs or newly unemployed.
Deuteronomy’s imperative to pursue justice applies to the unhoused as well, and reminds us that our homes are sacred when it says that one may not enter a home to satisfy a debt (24:10-13). The Levites, as Temple servants, must also be provided with housing and food by the community (along with the stranger, fatherless, and widow) (14:27-29).
Recognizing the Jewish imperative to pursue justice and the extraordinary need for housing in our community, Wise is deeply engaged in projects to ameliorate the crisis of our unhoused.
Our interfaith partner L.A. Voice is spearheading a campaign called “Home Is Sacred” as part of their efforts to reduce the thousands of unhoused in our country. In California, L.A. Voice is focusing on passing legislation to facilitate the building of affordable housing on faith-based properties as well as efforts to ensure that people are not evicted by unscrupulous property owners. At Wise, we are in close communication with our own members in the real estate industry to make sure that any initiatives we endorse balance the needs of residents with those of the owners. We seek justice on both sides of the issue.
We proudly support Homes for Heroes to make sure that our veterans who bravely served our country are supported when the Veterans Administrations places them in housing. Temple members work hard to raise funds and purchase needed household items.
Our partners L.A. Family Housing and Hope the Mission shelter families who fall into homelessness. We provide the families with a wide range of support as they pass through temporary shelters on their way to more permanent housing. Our Wise volunteers make it all possible by giving of their time and efforts to coordinate our efforts.
Over the coming weeks and months, you’ll be presented with a myriad of opportunities to pursue housing justice. We hope you’ll support our efforts. If you’d like to join our committee, please reach out to me at [email protected]!
—Rabbi Ron Stern