Dear Editor,
United as leaders of various faith communities in Richmond, we would like to voice our strong support for the Temporary Modular Housing initiative in Richmond. All of us have had occasion to interact directly with some of the most vulnerable in our communities who need the basics of food and shelter. We feel the provision of these purposed housing units can be one way our Richmond community can stand with those who have been marginalized by the rapid growth of new development. The people who would be helped are already a part of our community, living in our midst.
Our belief is in a God who provides; Richmond has enjoyed great economic blessings in the past few years; now out of that abundance we should not seek to isolate ourselves but rather to share that abundance. The blessing so many of us have experienced in Richmond, should not now push out those who live at the lowest socio-economic status.
A healthy community seeks to lift-up the ones who experience barriers to work because of language, ethnicity, disabilities or other factors. We recognize that the experience of change and growth in the past few years has caused an unhelpful polarization of certain groups against one another. We want to work with all to help dispel fears that cause division and restore our community to one where all members can feel safe and respected; A community that is welcoming to all peoples and willing to face the difficulties of its most vulnerable creates a climate attractive to newcomers and established residents alike. A community of inclusion also carries the benefit of a valued variety of cultural diversity, living under one canopy of valuing individual contributions, small and large, monetary or heartfelt. Each makes Richmond a good place to live.
As those who reflect the dignity of our creator, we have an opportunity to model what it means to be a truly welcoming, inclusive, compassionate city. In being accepting and pro-active together, let’s live up to our full potential.
Kathy Kiesser (The Tapestry)
Victor Kim (Richmond Presbyterian)
Stuart Appenheimer (Brighouse United) Gary Gaudin (South Arm United)
Winston Pratt (Peace Mennonite)
Christoph Reiners (Our Saviour Lutheran)
Brian Vickers (St. Anne’s Anglican)
Maggie Watts Hammond (Gilmore Park)
RICHMOND
