Dear EBHO Community,
You have to admit that the 2024 Election Cycle has been full of surprises. Some we were hoping for and some we were not. What I can honestly say is a marker of progress are the opportunities we have this election to support affordable housing. At this point, you may have learned about Regional Measure 4 (RM 4, formerly known as the Regional Housing Bond) that will bring in upwards of $20 billion for affordable housing projects across the entire 9-county Bay Area region. What you may not know is that the passage of RM 4 is a faith and justice issue.
During my time with EBHO, I have organized with and alongside clergy and lay leaders to bring equitable housing opportunities to low-income communities and communities of color in the East Bay. By rooting our work in a promise of building the beloved community, of building a sense of heaven on earth, we have ripely positioned ourselves as moral leaders in addressing California’s housing crisis. Whether it’s policy advocacy or community building, faith communities have shown up to support our vision of every East Bay resident having a safe, stable, habitable, and affordable home.
This summer, we will be continuing our commitment to preserving the sacredness of home by hosting our first ever Faith & Justice Day of Action! Typically, EBHO hosts a Faith & Justice Breakfast, which brings our housing partners and faith leaders together for a morning of shared meals, community building, and networking. This is still happening, and in the spirit of our event’s theme, Faith Demands Housing for All, we are adding a new element to our breakfast to educate and mobilize our community to show up and show out for RM 4!
Purchase your ticket now to join us on Wednesday, August 21st from 8:30 – 11 AM at City of Refuge United Church of Christ in Oakland, CA for a breakfast event and Community Speakers Bureau training led by our friends at St. Mary’s Center. Attendees will explore how their stories of faith and belonging connect to their stories of housing justice and be empowered to effectively speak about RM 4 in their communities.
This event is only possible with the generous support of our partners! Please consider sponsoring this event to help us continue our important faith-based work and prepare for November.
The passage of RM 4 is our end goal and we welcome your support!
With appreciation,
— Ronnie Boyd, Community, Faith, & Justice Organizer
Tickets start at $20 for EBHO members and $45 for the general public. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. Please contact staff@ebho.org if you are are experiencing financial hardship but would like to attend.
