Faith & Clergy

Unlock the Door to Re-Entry: How We Can Support Homecoming

Published

6 years ago

October 16, 2018

Terri Brown opens her home to KC Matthews, who was recently released from prison. Since his release, KC has obtained his Social Security and California ID card, found a job as a maintenance worker for a housing nonprofit in Oakland, and is taking classes and preparing to get his drivers license.

Thousands of people leave prison each year in California, eager to rejoin their families and ready to become productive, engaged members of our communities.

The transition from confinement is a demanding process; returning people need help getting back on their feet. Access to a safe and reliable place to live is one of the most basic and important things a person needs to ensure successful re-entry. But the prospect of securing housing is extremely difficult due to the nationwide housing crisis that is especially drastic in the Bay Area.

Here in the East Bay, the cost of housing has increased so dramatically for both owners and renters that thousands of people are at very high risk for displacement. People leaving prison, especially those having served lengthy sentences, come home with no financial support, which leaves them even more vulnerable to homelessness and re-incarceration. A recent study shows people who have been to prison once experience homelessness almost seven times more than the general public.

At the same time, there are lots of “hidden” housing assets in our midst. Many homes have an extra bedroom, den, or room that can be offered as a safe and reliable place to live for someone re-entering the community.

Our faith traditions teach believers it is our duty to reach out and help others, especially those who have fallen along the way, providing what we can when we can. With this in mind, we urge homeowners in our community to make a difference to those coming home, and help strengthen our community by participating in the new Homecoming Project sponsored by Impact Justice, a national innovation and research center headquartered in Oakland.

The Homecoming Project is an innovative pilot program that taps into underutilized housing resources in Alameda County. Just as Airbnb enables people to monetize their extra living spaces, the Homecoming Project provides subsidies to homeowners in exchange for renting an extra room to people returning home from lengthy prison terms.

The project empowers hosts and returnees through a strong screening and matching process and by offering ongoing support services including communications, problem solving, decision-making, and collaboration skills coaching. It sets clear rules and expectations for all, ensuring a successful re-entry and inspiring relationship with positive outcomes.

Both hosts and returnees benefit from the program. Hosts enjoy additional income while helping to rebuild lives, reunite families, and strengthen communities. Returnees gain a safe and stable environment to live in, greatly increasing their chances of obtaining employment, gaining new skills, and reducing the likelihood of returning to prison. In addition, our communities will see reductions in homelessness and increases in public safety.

Promoting and practicing repentance, redemption, and reconciliation are tangible examples of faith at work in ways that truly matter.

A home is a key to our common humanity. Help unlock the door for returning men and women. Support the Homecoming Project of Impact Justice. Please contact Terah Lawyer at homecomingproject@impactjustice.org.

Signed,

Dr. Jim Hopkins, Pastor, Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church; Bishop Bob Jackson, Senior Pastor, Acts Full Gospel Church of God in Christ; Rabbi Michael Lerner, Editor, Tikkun Magazine, Chair, Network of Spiritual Progressives, Rabbi, Beyt Tikkun Synagogue; Rev. Robert A. Wilkins, Sr., Vice-Chair Board of Trustees Graduate Theological Union and American Baptist Seminary of the West.

East Bay Faith Leaders

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Related Topics:community Criminal Justice Oakland reentry population

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Bay Area

Zefer O’Neal Ward, 105

Zefer O’Neal Ward transitioned from this life on Feb. 19. She was 105 years old. A native of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Zefer was the sixth of George and Zora O’Neal’s 14 children. Her joy of singing began at home at the tender age of 4 by being placed on a table and being asked to sing a song. By age 13, she was a member and directress of the youth choir at St. Paul Baptist Church. Zefer attended Merrill High School and Arkansas State College in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Published

2 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Oakland Post

Zefer O’Neal Ward. Courtesy photo.

By Post Staff

In 1945, Zefer made her home in Oakland, California, where she established deep roots. It was in 1950 that she married the late William “Bill” Ward. That same year, she joined Downs Memorial Methodist Church under the esteemed leadership of Rev. Roy C. Nichols, where her angelic voice soon became a cornerstone of the church’s 8:30 a.m. worship service.

She went on to lend her voice and talents to various choirs in the church including the gospel choir and the formulation of the children’s choir under the guidance of the late Rev. Amos Cambric Jr.

Zefer’s gift of song extended far beyond the walls of her church. For decades, she brought solace and inspiration to countless souls through her performances at funerals, weddings, concerts, conventions and church programs throughout the Bay Area.

Her unparalleled artistry even graced the ears of the late Robert F. Kennedy during a performance at the University of California, Berkeley. To quote her, “I have been involved with singing all my life. Singing is a joy for me. Every time I sing, I pray that I will bring joy to someone. I know that the Lord has used me to touch and bless someone … singing is my life, my joy.”

Surviving Zefer are her two children; Norma Ward-Sledge, CEO and co-founder of Progressive Transitions, Inc. a program in Oakland that has become a beacon of hope for women and families affected by domestic violence and human trafficking; and William Wilson, of Raleigh, North Carolina, a retired business owner. She also leaves behind her sister Minnie O’Neal of Dupont, Washington, two grandsons both of Raleigh, North Carolina and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to Progressive Transitions, Inc., an organization that Zefer passionately supported.

There will be a “Memorial Tribute to Zefer” at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1 at Downs Memorial United Methodist Church, 6026 Idaho St. in Oakland.

A follow-up event, “Celebrating the Legacy of Lady Z,” will be held on June 22 at Z Café, 2735 Broadway Oakland at 2 p.m.

Please RSVP for this event via text or call (510) 917-0666.

Oakland Post

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Activism

Obituary: Social Justice Leader, the Rev. Cecil Williams, Passes at 94

On April 22, community leader and social justice advocate Reverend Cecil Williams died at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family. He was 94 years old.

Published

10 hours ago

May 3, 2024

Oakland Post

The Rev. Cecil Williams, civil rights activist and social justice leader was the head pastor of San Francisco’s non-denominational GLIDE Memorial United Methodist Church.

By California Black Media

On April 22, community leader and social justice advocate Reverend Cecil Williams died at his home in San Francisco surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family.

He was 94 years old.

The reverend was a civil rights leader who advocated for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people in the Bay Area.

Williams was the head pastor of the non-denominational GLIDE Memorial United Methodist Church. The church welcomed individuals from the queer community and people struggling with homelessness, housing instability and substance use disorder (SUD).

Through his work, Rev. Williams attracted national attention. Prominent political and cultural leaders such as Maya Angelou, Bono, Oprah Winfrey, and Bill Clinton all attended church services at Glide.

Congressmember Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) said she is deeply saddened about the passing of her dear friend.

“The Reverend changed the lives of millions through radical love, support, inclusivity, and a commitment to service to the most marginalized,” Lee said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said that the reverend inspired people across California to embody the values of generosity and acceptance.

Rev. Williams was, “a visionary leader whose legendary compassion and love for his community transformed the lives of people from all walks of life,” Newsom said.

Rev. Williams served as the chief executive officer of the Glide Foundation until his retirement in 2023.

Oakland Post

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Community

Rest in Peace: A.M.E. Pastor and L.A Civil Rights Icon Cecil “Chip” Murray Passes

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles, died of natural causes April 6 at his Windsor Hills Home. He was 94. “Today, we lost a giant. Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray dedicated his life to service, community, and putting God first in all things. I had the absolute honor of working with him, worshiping with him, and seeking his counsel,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of the dynamic religious leader whose ministry inspired and attracted millionaires as well as former gang bangers and people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD).

Published

2 weeks ago

April 18, 2024

Oakland Post

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy of USC Center for Religion and Civic Culture.

The Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, former pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) in Los Angeles, died of natural causes April 6 at his Windsor Hills Home. He was 94.

“Today, we lost a giant. Reverend Dr. Cecil Murray dedicated his life to service, community, and putting God first in all things. I had the absolute honor of working with him, worshiping with him, and seeking his counsel,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass of the dynamic religious leader whose ministry inspired and attracted millionaires as well as former gang bangers and people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD).

Murray oversaw the growth of FAME’s congregation from 250 members to 18,000.

“My heart is with the First AME congregation and community today as we reflect on a legacy that changed this city forever,” Bass continued.

Murray served as Senior Minister at FAME, the oldest Black congregation in the city, for 27 years. During that time, various dignitaries visited and he built strong relationships with political and civic leaders in the city and across the state, as well as a number of Hollywood figures. Several national political leaders also visited with Murray and his congregation at FAME, including Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

Murray, a Florida native and U.S. Air Force vet, attended Florida A&M University, where he majored in history, worked on the school newspaper and pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He later attended Claremont School of Theology in Los Angeles County, where he earned his doctorate in Divinity.

Murray is survived by his son Drew. His wife Bernadine, who was a committed member of the A.M.E. church and the daughter of his childhood pastor, died in 2013.