Poverty & Homelessness Action Week 28 January – 5 February 2012
Our world is filled with barriers between people. Barriers that prevent us from understanding one another. They are created by unfair benefits rules and inadequate wages. By the stigma attached to being poor or homeless. And by the growing gap between the richest and poorest people in our society.
Churches and community projects can break these barriers. They can challenge prejudice, enable excluded people to live full lives, and build a fairer world.
The Week aims to:
- raise awareness of the issues of poverty and homelessness in the UK
- raise funds for projects and campaigns which work to tackle poverty and homelessness
- involve people in campaign actions that tackle the causes of poverty and homelessness
Individuals, churches and groups are all encouraged to get involved in the week:
- Churches can run worship services to mark one of the Sundays, praying for vulnerable people as well as raising awareness and funds.
- Many churches also run special activities for children or young people.
- Groups and organisations (including schools) can run events to raise funds or awareness.
- Individuals can use our resources to reflect on the theme, and donate to support the cause.
Free resources are available from www.actionweek.org.uk to support people doing all of these things. We also maintain a database of all events being organised each year, helping to promote and organise events.
Father, we thank you that Jesus came to break down barriers.
He did not see the migrant or the settled, the housed or the homeless, the employed or the unemployed;
He saw and loved the person.
Forgive us when we put up barriers between ourselves and others; help us show love to all without constraint.
Help us, your church, to build communities without barriers, where all are valued because all are made in your image.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
Action Week is jointly organised by Church Action on Poverty, Housing Justice and Scottish Churches Housing Action. It is sponsored and supported by many other organisations.
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