I want to thank all the parishes that joined together to put forward a single voice to City Council surrounding the Affordable Housing budget. I also want to thank the other parishes that circulated the petition and collected signatures.

Together we demonstrated that we can make a difference and be a force for positive change in the world. I am honoured to walk with you all in ministry.

Thank you.

Letter that was sent to City Council

To: Members of City Council,
London Ontario

We the parishes of

St Andrew Memorial
Bishop Cronyn Memorial Church
St Alban the Martyr
The Church of St Jude
St Luke the Evangelist
Church of the Epiphany
Good News Christian Reformed Church
Church of the Hosannas
St Aiden’s Church
Rowntree Memorial United Church
All Saints Anglican
Christ Church
Holy Trinity Church
St Mark’s Church
St Stephen’s Memorial
St Paul’s Cathedral
Redeemer Lutheran Church
St Ansgar Church
Trinity Lutheran Church
Wesley Knox United Church
Calvary United Church
St John the Divine, Arva

Upon learning that City Council was proposing a budget cut to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund for the fiscal year 2013 and subsequent years, in the amount of 1 million dollars, we began to organize and to prepare a response from our various faith communities. What began with one or two parish communities has grown dramatically and continues to grow as new parishes come on board each and everyday.

We had begun to circulate a petition in our various communities and have garnered thousands of signatures thus far. The petition was/is asking for City Council to maintain its investment in Affordable Housing at the 2 million dollar mark, acknowledging that objective 5.3 of the housing strategy is to “Maintain annual $2 million City investment in affordable housing”.

We understand the very tough decisions council is faced with and it was a pleasant surprise to see that City Council decided to vote down this proposed cut and instead chose to maintain funding for Affordable Housing at current and recommended levels.

While we will still continue to watch the outcome of the budget proceedings leading up to the final vote with great interest, we the aforementioned communities wish to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to you, the members of City Council, for maintaining Affordable Housing at its current and recommended levels, and helping us to care for some of the most disadvantaged Londoners.

Sincerely,

The Christian Communities of London, Ontario