An update from the Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy, an independent research project
of the Rockefeller Institute of Government. The public policy research arm of the State University of New York.

New! Faith Groups Work to Keep People in Homes

Especially in communities where affordable housing was always scarce, the downward spiral sparked
by the subprime mortgage crisis is by now well-known: Low- and middle-income families lured into home
ownership found themselves strapped when balloon payments suddenly became due or interest rates
suddenly spiked, sending soaring numbers into foreclosure. Demand for rental properties skyrocketed,
pushing up prices, and property values declined, shoved downward in part by the new glut of abandoned homes.

What has been less reported, perhaps, is the upwardly spiraling pressure this crisis has placed on faith-based
nonprofits that have long worked on affordable housing or provided social services in low-income neighborhoods.
Since the mortgage crisis hit, faith-based groups have taken on a variety of roles, some familiar, some new.
They have been providing financial counseling and resources to help families struggling to meet their mortgage
payments to stay in their homes, or to lessen the impact of a foreclosure. They are providing temporary cash
assistance for food or utility bills, so people can use other funds to pay their mortgages. They are advocating
for relief from government. Some have become primary lenders for new affordable housing projects. Others are
purchasing properties at bargain prices, with the hopes of providing homes for low-income residents in the future.

Click here to read more by Roundtable Correspondent Claire Hughes.

Weekly Digest of Federal Grants with Faith-Based and Community
Organization Eligibility

The grant opportunities this week for community and faith-based organizations are through programs
administered by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Justice, and State, and by the
U.S. Agency for International Development.

Potential applicants should be aware that some grant programs require specific technical expertise,
or experience in particular foreign countries.

Click here for the grants digest.

Roundtable Digest of Current Faith-Based News Stories

'I'm Just Here for the People'
Courier-Post (Cherry Hill, New Jersey)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8381

Churches As Well As Parishioners Hurt by Struggling U.S. Economy
Detroit Free Press

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8382

Nonprofits Asking For Land; Faith-Based Charities Seek Sites For Buildings
Charlotte Observer (North Carolina)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8389

Governor Appoints Panel On Immigration
Rrojo.com (Rhode Island)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8383

Spirituality Flourishes at New Kingman Prison
The Associated Press

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8384

Mission Notes Rising Hunger Among Homeless
Fresno Bee (California)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8385

A Gym Designed to Cater to Christians
The New York Times

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8386

Faith And Community Groups Rally to Riley's Call
oanow.com (Alabama)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8387

Ministry Relief en Route to Myanmar
Mission Network News

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8388

Andrew Thomas Spends Public Money to Bring Sinners to Christ
Phoenix New Times (Arizona)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8390

Loss Lingers; Mental Health Summit Looks at Issues
The Biloxi Sun Herald (Mississippi)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8394

Couple Helps Kids, Horses at Ranch
Lincoln Journal Star (Nebraska)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8395

Appropriate Placement Options Pushes for State Funding for Juvenile Corrections
Statesville Record & Landmark (North Carolina)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8396

Voters Rate Amendments, Crist
Tampabay.com

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8397

Pope Urges Countries to Combat Causes of Hunger, Malnutrition
Catholic News Service

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8391

Children, Youth and Families Dept. Kicks Off Meal Program; Kids Can Get Free Lunch, Breakfast
Albuquerque Journal (New Mexico)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8392

Wharton Thanks Church for Donation; World Overcomers Gave $200K to Disaster Relief
The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/article.cfm?id=8393

Weekly Opinion Roundup - 6/10/2008
The Roundtable on Religion and Social Welfare Policy

http://www.religionandsocialpolicy.org/news/news_opinion_6_10_08.cfm