On Sunday, February 26, more than 400 people gathered at First Unitarian for the Leaven Community Land & Housing Coalition’s Mass Assembly. Stories of grief and hope were shared and the fundamental question was asked, “Who Gets to Thrive in Oregon?” During the assembly, the Coalition launched a four-month campaign to move Oregon closer to Housing and Wholeness. The campaign will focus on three areas: Land, People and Money. It will identify land where housing can be built, gather people who will welcome new neighbors and work to counter resistance that manifests as “NIMBYism” (Not In My Back Yard-ism), and work to ensure that Money goes to proven and cost-effective solutions. Multnomah County Commissioner Susheela Jayapal vowed to work with the Coalition in these efforts.

Over the past seven years, the Land & Housing Coalition has experienced significant growth. What began as a small gathering at the Leaven Community Salt & Light Lutheran Church in North Portland, where individuals came together to share their housing stories, has now expanded to include many diverse faith communities across Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties. Through what the Coalition calls “sacred organizing,” the Coalition has successfully changed laws statewide, organized to build affordable housing units, and pressured elected officials to respond to the housing crisis.

First Unitarian Portland has an active “Core Team” with the Coalition. The Core Team is learning the practice of sacred organizing and working in collaboration to build collective power across Washington, Clackamas, and  Multnomah counties to address our housing crisis. It was a privilege to host the Mass Assembly in First Unitarian’s Sanctuary. We are grateful for the many congregants who volunteered to help host this exciting event. 

For more information about the Leaven Land & Housing Coalition and how to get involved, contact Jane or Mary Ann.