RONNA DAVIS-MOORE, CEO AND FOUNDER AT ZA’KIYA HOUSE, ADDRESSES THE CROWD AT THE JAN. 14 EVENT. (PHOTOS BY CHIEF IKHANA-HAL-MAKINA)
Threats are real to those seeking housing, treatment
Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS hosted a “Day of Prayer & Advocacy” on Jan. 14. It occurred at the MOMS Green Play Yard, 5529 Black Street, East Liberty, and brough together faith leaders, community partners, elected officials, and supporters to stand with families impacted by substance use disorder and housing instability.
According to a news release from Sojourner House to the New Pittsburgh Courier, the gathering comes as federal HUD and Medicaid cuts threaten the full continuum of family recovery, jeopardizing both residential treatment and the stable housing that sustains it. Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS considers themselves “unique assets” to the region working to keep mothers and children together from treatment through long-term housing stability.
SOJOURNER HOUSE MOMS RECEIVED A GRANT FROM THE AMERIHEALTH CARITAS FOUNDATION.
“This Day of Prayer & Advocacy is about standing with families who are doing the hard work of recovery and reminding them that they are not alone,” said De’netta Benjamin Miller, Executive Director of Sojourner House, in a statement. “Now more than ever, faith, compassion, and action must go hand in hand if we want families to heal and stay together.”
Each year, Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS serve more than 100 individuals across Allegheny County, including more than 50 mothers and 50 children, providing licensed treatment, safe housing, counseling, and two-generation support proven to stabilize families.
The news release said that “potential HUD reductions to supportive housing programs threaten Sojourner House MOMS’ ability to provide housing, case management, and long-term stability for families transitioning out of treatment.” “Recovery doesn’t end when treatment ends,” Miller added, in a statement. “Without stable housing, the risk of relapse increases dramatically. Sojourner House MOMS provides the foundation families need to maintain recovery, reunify, and move forward with dignity.”
PASTOR GEORGE FLEMMING SPEAKS TO THE CROWD…
