Published: Jan. 24, 2022

“Everyone around was in awe—all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.” (Acts 2:43-45, The Message)

On January 15, the eviction moratorium that has been in place for the duration of the pandemic was lifted. As a result, many of our neighbors who have been financially impacted by the pandemic are on the brink of eviction and homelessness. This crisis comes in the midst of both the coldest months of the year and the highest numbers of daily infections of the entire pandemic.

At Asbury First, we are already feeling the local fallout of this change. In January alone we have received over $20,000 of rental assistance requests as individuals and families seek ways to stay in their homes. We currently do not have the necessary funds available to meet the staggering amount of need in our community.

This is a crisis moment in which we as a congregation and community are called to respond:

• If you are in need of assistance or are in danger of losing your home, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of our pastoral staff. (585-271-1050)
• If you are in a financial position to contribute to our emergency rental assistance fund, please consider doing so. You can make a gift online here: asburyfirst.org/give-online. Please designate it for “Rent Assistance.”
• If you would like to learn more about, volunteer with, or donate to housing justice organizations who are working on long-term sustainable solutions to the housing crisis in Rochester and statewide, please contact Pat Dupont (pdupont@asburyfirst.org, 585-271-1050 x136).

May we embody our faith ancestors of the book of Acts in “pooling our resources so that each person’s need is met.”