2024 Harris-Evans Conference
Episcopal Church Women,
Diocese of North Carolina
Online
September 6, 2024 - 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Churches Expanding Hospitality to Provide Supportive and Affordable Housing
This Harris-Evans Conference is an event organized by the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) in the Diocese of North Carolina. The purpose of this conference, as part of the ECW’s broader mission, is to engage in worship, prayer, study, service, and fellowship, with the aim of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. It is one of the many activitiies that the ECW undertakes to support the different gifts, values, and ministries of women, and to advance the role of women in the mission of the Church. The conference is also a part of the ECW’s commitment to aid in foreign and domestic missions, provide scholarships and grants, and organize worship retreats.
Presenter
Lisa G. Fischbeck is an Episcopal priest with experience in established and new church settings. She was the launching vicar of the Episcopal Church of the Advocate, a mission church in Chapel Hill, NC, known for its engaging and thoughtful liturgy and for its creative community engagement. Reverend Fischbeck is also a co-founder of Pee Wee Homes working to create dignified, affordable, tiny homes in caring community for and with people transitioning out of homelessness. She is ever on the lookout for opportunities for the church to collaborate with individuals and organizations in the wider community, working together to repair the torn fabric of our world.
Conference Goals and Objectives
Raising Awareness: Educate attendees about the challenges faced by underserved populations in accessing affordable housing. Highlight the impact of homelessness and housing instability on individuals and communities.
Sharing Best Practices: Facilitate discussions and workshops where participants can learn from successful church-led housing initiatives. Invite speakers who have experience in developing affordable housing projects within faith communities.
Exploring Collaborations: Encourage networking and collaboration among churches, community organizations, and local government agencies. Discuss ways to pool resources, share knowledge, and work together to address housing needs.
Promoting Advocacy: Equip attendees with information on advocacy strategies. Encourage them to engage with policymakers, advocate for policy changes, and support legislation that promotes affordable housing solutions.
Identifying Resources: Provide practical tools and resources for churches interested in starting or expanding housing programs. This could include information on funding sources, legal considerations, and community partnerships.
Engaging Congregations: Encourage churches to actively participate in housing initiatives. Discuss how congregations can leverage their existing assets (such as land or buildings) to create affordable housing opportunities.
Addressing Equity: Explore ways to ensure equitable access to housing for marginalized populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Registration is now closed
You are invited to make love donations to support the work of the ECW. Go to our Donations page to see all of the funds that you may contribute to, and where you can make online donations via PayPal. You will also find instructions there for making donations via check.