Last Monday, more than 1,600 people from 28 congregations gathered at Bethlehem Baptist Church in support of increased development of affordable housing and for adequate state funding to staff the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline here in Greenville County and the upstate. After working for more than a year on addressing the housing crisis and the understaffed 988 call center, here are the questions we have asked elected officials from city and county council and state legislators:
Greenville City Council:
Will you work to achieve that goal in reaching the full $10MM to the GHF by the 2025-2026 budget cycle?
Additionally, will you support a resolution stating that, once the City reaches the full $10MM of dedicated funding annually to go to the Greenville Housing Fund, the City will establish an ordinance ensuring that 1/3 of the funding be used to support very low-income earners in our community?
Will you work to achieve that goal in reaching the full $10MM to the GCRA by the 2027-2029 biennial budget cycle?
State Legislators:
Will you commit to fully funding the 988 Suicide Lifeline operated by Mental Health America-Greenville County, which will require $4.1 MM in the next upcoming budget? Will you commit to continued full funding in the years to come?
Here are some comments from a few of our congregation’s GOAL team leaders:
It was an inspiring and powerful moment, hearing personal stories from those who have worked tirelessly to keep their affordable housing to those in GOAL who are working to ensure people never have to go without a home. The GOAL community is lobbying for those who Jesus called us to help, who are called as Christians to stand beside and be their voice. Simply knowing that we were in a space with over 1,600 OTHERS who want the same just future – there are no words, simply the work of our faith.
—Kristin Lewis
I am grateful that so many people made this evening a priority. As one of the speakers said, “you can’t fake showing up.”
—Chris Hoover
I was still amazed at the positive turnout of people and congregations. Everyone was there with the simple hope of seeing change in our community.
—Patrick Bairefoot
It was inspiring and moving to see so many people from different religion communities come together in support of two important justice issues.
—Kathy Stewart
It was great to be in a room of 1600 people from all different faith and cultural backgrounds that all want the same thing for Greenville County! We have a long way to go, but hopefully we made a little bit of progress last night.
—Charlotte Wood