From pandemic-related rent relief to fair housing and homeownership policy, here's how you can expect housing to be impacted by the Biden administration.

One of the faith practices that Lutherans affirm in their Affirmation of Baptism is “to strive for justice and peace in all the earth”. One way to live out that baptismal covenant is through the ministry of advocacy.

President Biden signed into law on March 11 the American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package with nearly $50 billion in essential housing and homelessness assistance, including $27.4 billion for rental assistance and $5 billion to assist people experiencing homelessness.

Americans are struggling to pay for basic household expenses, like food, rent, and medical services, but with President Joe Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus plan, households across the country can expect to see relief.

Last year’s CARES Act contained $2 billion for tribal governments, this legislation represents a 900 percent increase and that amount does not include the money for Indian health programs

Urge President Biden to immediately sign a revised refugee resettlement goal for FY21. The President has not yet issued an emergency Presidential Determination on refugee admissions of 62,500 as was announced.

The measure passed by the Senate, and headed to the House for final approval before going to President Biden’s desk, contains money for direct checks, jobless benefits, state and local aid, and more.

HR.1/S.1 For the People Act. This bill addresses voter access, election integrity and security, campaign finance, and ethics for the three branches of government.

The Partnership Center: Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships has developed a FAQ and Guide to Supporting Vaccine Confidence for Faith and Community Leaders. Updated 2/24/21.

Continued Funding for Senior Services During Covid-19 Act would fund nutrition services, vaccination outreach

Join an ELCA-LIRS Letter in support of the US Citizenship Act of 2021. Deadline extended to Tuesday , March 2 - today!

THIS WEEK’S BILLS: You can impact legislation this week by making your voice be heard via Request to Speak: HB2668 (Weds, 3/31 - Nutrition Assistance), HB2805 (Weds, 3/31 - Economic Security), SB1387 (Tues, 3/30 - Child & Youth Welfare), SB1411 (Tues, 3/30 - Economic Security).

“We will be feeling the effects of the pandemic for quite some time, and few will suffer more than people experiencing homelessness,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “These additional monies, invested in the city’s human services partners, will go a long way to easing that pain.”

Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us and Ezra Klein of New York Times Opinion discuss the terrible price of drained-pool politics. This is a transcript of their conversation first broadcast on February 16.

The recording of the Advocacy 101 training workshop sponsored by LAMA, Arizona Faith Network, and Bread for the World Southwest is now available online. Facilitated by Angie Burleson.

Food banks are a lifeline for Arizonans in need. That has never been more clear than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when our food banks have seen 2–3 times as many people in their lines.

“Our faith traditions tell us that God, as understood in each of our traditions, is deeply concerned with the well-being of all in our communities and that when one person suffers we all suffer. That is why we gather together and pledge to do our part to care for our neighbor.”

“From the perspective of Black people, particularly many young ones, the government is not to be trusted.”