Health, Social Action, and Economic Justice
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, Christian housing ministry that works both to eliminate poverty housing around the world and to make adequate housing a matter of conscience and action. The local affiliate, "Habijax", was organized in 1989, and now leads the nation in building homes for "God's People in Need". Local businesses and churches have participated in providing over 2,000 homes. Homeowners are carefully selected according to their ability to pay their mortgages and willingness to spend 300 hours of "sweat equity" in lieu of their down payment. With donated materials and volunteer labor, the non-profit/no interest mortgage helps to make affordable housing a reality. Each October, St. John's Cathedral joins with other area churches, specifically the Episcopal Coalition (11 parishes) during this "Building on Faith" initiative. St. John's plays a leadership role, relative to funding and volunteer support. For more information visit Habijax.
INTERFAITH COALITION OF ACTION, RECONCILIATION AND EMPOWERMENT (ICARE)
ICARE is a social justice ministry made up of approximately 28 diverse, Jacksonville faith groups. ICARE works to seek justice in our community by identifying social ills, researching practical solutions, and asking local officials to implement those solutions. ICARE is founded on the beliefs that we are called to live out our faith by working to change social injustices and that there is significant power in the collective leadership of the religious community. It is a forum for people of diverse faiths to work together for the common good. Each fall, member congregations conduct listening campaigns to identify member concerns. A vote by all determines the year's areas of focus. Research committees then investigate and develop action plans for community improvements in each problem area. Then, each spring, ICARE holds a mass assembly with local officials to request implementation of the action plans. ICARE successes have included improved public school curriculum and student reading levels, increased access to health care, and various anti-crime programs. When we work together, great things happen! For more information visit ICARE.
UNITED THANK OFFERING (UTO)
UTO is an offering of individual thanks to God for blessings received, and makes possible, through its many grants, various opportunities for mission and ministry throughout the world. These gifts of thanksgiving – coins and bills collected from each individual in the blue UTO envelopes are combined with others in the church, diocese, and nation. In-gatherings are held in the fall and spring of each year. For more inforamtion visit UTO.
VOLUNTEERS IN MEDICINE (VIM)
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) is a FREE healthcare clinic located at 41 East Duval Street for the working uninsured. Families and individuals with incomes between $13,000 to $23,925 per year are eligible (add $3,260 for each additional dependent). Patients qualify by providing check stubs, tax returns or other verification of income prior to their first clinic visit. The clinic is open Tuesday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and patients are seen by appointment only. Volunteer physicians and nurse practitioners provide care. Basic non-emergency care and medications are given as available. For more information visit VIM.