June 2020
"How long O Lord?" Psalm 13:1
Dear Fri ends,
 
David cries out in Psalm 13:1, “How long O Lord?”

Indeed, how long will we continue to allows systems of injustice to poison this nation? Now is the moment for our country’s reckoning -- for people of conscience to act boldly for justice for all people. As The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “The time comes when silence is betrayal.”

Jim Winkler, National Council of Churches president and general secretary states:

We are all responsible for doing the hard work to end racism and white supremacy, especially white people. The burden cannot always be on our African American brothers and sisters. These are not just ideologies or individual opinions. These are the systemic issues at the core of American society and it is deadly. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ring loudly: ‘Riots are the language of the unheard.’ Our nation needs healing but there can be no healing without justice.


May we pray and act together for justice and peace to save the soul of our nation, doing all within our power to end the evil of racism.

In love,
Jan Musgrove Elfers
EMO President
We invite you to join us this month, as Mister Rogers says, to “Look for the helpers.”
Amid the unfolding disaster of COVID-19, we are seeing countless acts of kindness and solidarity. It’s this spirit of generosity that offers hope and will help guide us out of the crisis and into a better future. We’ll do this together at an online “virtual house party” that replaces our annual Benefit Dinner. Scheduled throughout June, we will share information about and raise funds for the help Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon extends to our most vulnerable neighbors. Sign up today ! If you cannot attend, please consider making a donation to EMO's Stewardship Campaign. Donate now .
Metro HomeShare: Supporting Community & Changing Lives
EMO's Metro HomeShare primarily serves the most vulnerable members of our community -- low income seniors on fixed incomes with little to no savings. Despite the current coronavirus pandemic and resulting stay in place orders, we have been able to find safe and appropriate housing options for our participants. Below is just one example.

"Paula" had moved to Portland in the Winter of 2019 to be closer to extended family. She moved in with her relatives in anticipation of quickly securing a place of her own. "Paula" quickly found that the affordable housing crisis in our region extended deeper than she had expected. In addition to the difficulty of finding an affordable unit that was also wheelchair accessible, her home situation was becoming untenable.

"Paula" was facing terrible choices: seek a bed at a local shelter, become homeless, or continue to live in an unsafe and unstable environment. She called around to local homeless shelters and was told there was a long wait for ADA accessible beds, but maybe Metro HomeShare could help.

"Paula" contacted Metro HomeShare shortly after the New Year and shared her situation with us. Like so many low-income seniors, she earned enough from retirement and social security to pay rent, but had no savings to pay for move-in costs like first and last month’s rent and a deposit. This made it nearly impossible for her to secure any traditional market rentals.

Metro HomeShare knew that it would be a challenge to make the puzzle pieces fit, but with the dedication of our client coordinators and the compassion of one Home Provider, MHS began to see hope for "Paula."

Subscribe to Metro HomeShare’s community enewsletter (link below) to read more about "P’s" success in the program.

Learn more about Metro HomeShare at metrohomeshare.org or call (971) 271-5195
Wear Orange 2020 for Gun Sense
This Friday, June 5, will be recognized as the sixth National Gun Violence Awareness Day, followed by Wear Orange Weekend, June 6 and 7 .

During #WearOrange, everyone who believes we can and must solve the problem of gun violence in America will take action and stand together in a bold statement of resilience and fortitude as we advance our efforts. Wear Orange is organized by Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers, in partnership with the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund.
Oregon Stats
In an average year,  509  people die by guns. With a rate of  11.7 deaths per 100,000  people, Oregon has the  31st  highest rate of gun deaths in the United States.
SOURCE: CDC, WISQARS FATAL INJURY REPORTS, FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE: 2014–2018.
Public Policy Advocacy
Learn the latest on EMO’s advocacy efforts at the Oregon State Capitol, in Washington D.C., and beyond on behalf of the most vulnerable, and how to contact your elected official to make a difference on behalf of all Oregonians.

View our latest issue of " Peace & Justice. "
Employment Opportunities at EMO
Join EMO's talented team making a difference in Oregon! EMO offers a generous benefits package. Visit our employment page for more details .
Pantry Assistant—Operations, Northeast Emergency Food Program (temporary position: 40 hour/week): Assist the Program Manager in the daily operations of NEFP and fulfilling the mission of NEFP. Position open until filled. View full position description and how to apply .

Assistant Cook (Food Services and HIV Services) : Provide support to EMO Food Service and HIV Services Program Managers. Full time with benefits. Position open until filled. View full position description and how to apply .
Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon
503-221-1054 | emo@emoregon.org | emoregon.org