A group of church members from The SOMA Gathering, in conversation with a variety of others from the community, is seeking to address the wealth disparity for people of color in our community. In particular, they have been guided by the work of a non-profit in the East End of Pittsburgh called “Open Hand Ministry.” The group wishes to be informed by their model, be advised by them and learn from them, but not be in a formal relationship with them (though they did explore that possibility).
This initiative is being generated by SOMA and will run out of that congregation for the time being. The hope is that this initiative might become a separate entity if it grows and becomes viable on its own, possibly as a joint venture of a group of congregations and non-profits.
There are two essential components to this initiative:
Identifying people in the community whose life experiences have kept them from the typical American path to wealth creation, that is, home ownership. First and foremost, this is an attempt to surround people in need with love and support.
This program begins with a person who wishes to change their and their family’s life trajectory. (Open Hand typically works with single parents of color.) It involves helping this person clean up their credit rating if need be, learn good practices of financial management (such as living on a budget), finding adequate employment and helping with educational needs. All this is done with a group of supportive colleagues surrounding them and caring for them. It is not trying to be a new program but a stream of support that is not bounded by programmatic expectations.
As part one of this proposal is underway, a group of folks would acquire and completely renovate a home in the downtown section of Beaver Falls. Such homes may be purchased, given to SOMA or made available at below market rates. The team would also consider acquiring very distressed properties for renovation. As much work as possible would be done by volunteers but the essential systems of the home (wiring, plumbing, heating, etc.) would be completed by qualified professionals.
The group proposing this initiative feels strongly that it should be targeted to people of color in Beaver Falls. Beaver Falls’ poverty rate is at an alarming 28% (similar to Detroit and Buffalo) and while 8% of Beaver Falls white families live below the poverty line, 37% of African American families do. The median family income for white families in Beaver Falls is $43,400 while for black families it is $17,800 (according to the most recent census data available). The group certainly knows white families who have similar struggles and hopes that eventually they will be at a point to include all. However, they initially feel conscience-bound to address their efforts toward the racial disparity in our own community.